South Dakota: what's on the November 3, 2026 ballot
Every candidate below is listed alphabetically, with party shown as text only. Open a name for their stated positions, background and recent news, each with sources.
Open South Dakota on the mapKey dates
- In-person early (absentee) voting: September 18, 2026 to November 2, 2026. Vote in person at your county auditor's office or a satellite site. Early voting ends at 5 p.m. on the day before Election Day.
- Voter registration deadline: October 19, 2026. Your registration must reach your county auditor 15 days before Election Day. You can check your status at vip.sdsos.gov.
- Last day to request a mail absentee ballot: November 2, 2026. Your request must reach your county auditor by 5 p.m. Because of mail time, ask well before this date. Your ballot must be returned by the time polls close on Election Day.
- Election Day: November 3, 2026. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
Official election information: vote.gov
Who's running
Only the U.S. Senate and governor races are loaded so far. Other statewide offices, ballot measures, U.S. House and local races aren't loaded yet. Check your sample ballot for the full list.
United States Senator
This is a six-year term. Incumbent Republican Mike Rounds is running for re-election.
- Brian L Bengs Independent · Challenger
Brian Bengs is a Hot Springs resident, a Navy veteran and retired Air Force JAG officer who later taught at Northern State University and worked as a park ranger at Wind Cave… - Mike Rounds Republican · Incumbent
Mike Rounds is a Republican who has represented South Dakota in the U.S. Senate since 2015. Before that he was a state senator and served two terms as South Dakota's 31st governor…
Governor and Lieutenant Governor
This is a four-year term, and candidates run as joint tickets. Incumbent Governor Larry Rhoden (R) is running with Tony Venhuizen, and Dan Ahlers (D) is running with Steven McCleerey.
- Dan Ahlers Democratic · Challenger
- Larry Rhoden Republican · Incumbent
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