Opinion

The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office reminds individuals interested in running for public office in the 2026 primary election that candidate petitions may begin circulating on January 1, 2026.

Gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Dusty Johnson announced a comprehensive and responsible plan to deliver meaningful property tax relief to South Dakota homeowners beginning in 2027, making homeownership more affordable for seniors, hardworking families, and first-time homebuyers across the state.

Visitors to the State Capitol in Pierre are now able to step inside and view the South Dakota Supreme Court Courtroom. The Supreme Court Courtroom, located southeast of the Rotunda on the second floor of the State Capitol, remains one of the few original Supreme Court courtrooms in the United States that is still used for court proceedings.

Governor Larry Rhoden has issued a proclamation declaring January as National Mentoring Month in South Dakota, recognizing the powerful role mentors play in helping young people and adults reach their full potential and strengthening communities across the state.

As I write this, we are just a few days from the convening of the 101st session of the South Dakota State Legislature. Before serving as Lieutenant Governor and now Governor, I was a legislator for 16 years, including in several leadership roles. When I was first elected House Majority leader, I oversaw a caucus of 52 members with a wide range of experience and wisdom – and many different ideas on how to solve problems.

The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office has released the 2025 3rd Quarter Economic Report, outlining continued economic strength across the state while identifying emerging challenges related to workforce availability and housing demand.

Tripp County State’s Attorney Zachary Pahlke and South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announce an ongoing investigation into an email scam that led to the fraudulent transfer of $826,357 from the Tripp County government.

The work of cons tructing the trading poston the James Riverwas completed in June of 1858. At the time, Van Meter, a French-Canadian, was engaged in carrying the United States mail and express from Sioux City to Fort Randall. He made the round trip once a week by using two horses in the journey, one of which he rode and the other was the pack animal.

I’m pretty stoked for 2026. This year brings the 250th birthday of the United States of America, the freest nation in history – and South Dakota remains the freest state in that nation.

Legislation aimed at protecting children from internet crimes and human trafficking, along with safeguarding consumers’ genetic privacy, will be among two bills Attorney General Marty Jackley introduces during the 2026 legislative session.