Who's running in South Dakota's at-large congressional district
2 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Congress taking back its responsibility over tariff policy to restore farm markets lost in the trade war.
Eliminating federal bureaucracy that gets in the way of rural projects, using her USDA experience.
Affordability for working families, public education and rural health care.
Expanding tribal law enforcement, Indian Health Service and tribal colleges.
Opposing federal restrictions on mail-in voting.
Holding public town halls across the state.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Has not held elected office.
South Dakota state director, USDA Rural Development, 2022–2025; former vice chair of the South Dakota Democratic Party.
Unopposed in the June 2, 2026 Democratic primary.
Endorsed by former President Joe Biden, per Wikipedia.
Arguments in favor
'There's bureaucracy that gets in the way at times, but that bureaucracy is often put in place by Congress. What if someone who understands the roadblocks goes to D.C. to eliminate the bureaucracy?'
— Nikki Gronli, campaign launch (South Dakota Searchlight)
Gronli has shown dedication to the party and has worked to connect South Dakotans with federal decision makers during her time at USDA.
— State Senate Minority Leader Liz Larson (South Dakota Searchlight)
Arguments against
'My opponent's desire to send a ballot to someone not registered to vote opens the door to election fraud.'
— Marty Jackley, Republican opponent (South Dakota Searchlight via KOTA)
What we couldn’t verify
No NRCC or South Dakota Republican Party material on Gronli was found in a loaded source.
A national immigration policy that 'considers public safety and the workforce', with working E-Verify and visa systems.
Less federal red tape for farmers and ranchers.
Protecting taxpayer dollars through stronger accountability laws, as he pursued at the state level.
Supporting President Trump's effort to stop mail-in ballots going to people not verified as citizens or registered voters.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
South Dakota attorney general 2009–2019 and since 2023; US attorney for South Dakota 2006–2009.
Won South Dakota v. Wayfair (2018) at the US Supreme Court, allowing states to collect sales tax from online retailers.
Prosecuted six cases since 2024 against former state employees over their government work, and backed 2025 laws expanding the state auditor's powers and protecting whistleblowers.
Created Missing and Murdered Indigenous People and human trafficking director positions in his office.
Won the June 2, 2026 Republican primary with 79.2%.
Endorsed by President Trump, the US Chamber of Commerce and the NRA Political Victory Fund, per South Dakota News Watch and Wikipedia.
Arguments in favor
'I brought legislation so that we can better protect the taxpayer dollars and what's been going on in Pierre, and I'll do the same thing if you send me to Washington.'
— Marty Jackley, campaign launch (South Dakota Searchlight)
President Trump endorsed Jackley in March 2026.
— President Donald Trump, per South Dakota News Watch
Arguments against
Jackley's support for Trump's mail-in voting restrictions 'flies in the face of our long tradition of running secure, accessible elections ... They don't need Marty Jackley helping Washington interfere with the way South Dakotans vote.'
— Nikki Gronli, Democratic opponent (South Dakota Searchlight via KOTA)
What we couldn’t verify
No DCCC material on Jackley was found; the seat is not on a Democratic target list in any loaded source.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
November 3, 2026 is South Dakota's general election, decided by plurality; there is no runoff in the general election. South Dakota's single US House seat is elected statewide, so there is no district map to change. This is an open seat: Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson ran for governor and lost the June Republican primary. Primaries were held June 2, 2026. Attorney General Marty Jackley won the Republican nomination with 79.2% over James Bialota Jr.; Nikki Gronli was unopposed for the Democratic nomination after Billy Mawhiney withdrew. South Dakota News Watch's voter guide lists only Gronli and Jackley for the House, and says the only independent running for federal office in the state is in the US Senate race; the Secretary of State's certified list was not loaded. An independent named Jack Pittman filed federal paperwork but is not on the ballot in any loaded source. Write-in candidates are not listed. South Dakota Public Broadcasting will host a US House debate on October 1. Johnson won 72.0% in 2024. Candidates are listed alphabetically as in the News Watch voter guide; that is not verified ballot order and implies no ranking.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A South Dakota ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.
Your ballot is determined by your election authority, not by us. Verify your registration, precinct, and sample ballot at South Dakota Secretary of State.