{KXLG, Pierre, SD} Preliminary official returns from the South Dakota Secretary of State confirm a Republican sweep across all major statewide offices in the general election, driven by a statewide voter turnout of 40.16% with 252,415 total ballots cast.
Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Mike Rounds successfully secured a third term by defeating Independent candidate Brian L. Bengs. In the race for the state's executive branch, Republican Larry Rhoden and his running mate Tony Venhuizen defeated Democratic challengers Dan Ahlers and Steven McCleerey to capture the governorship. Meanwhile, Republican Marty Jackley won the state's at-large seat in the U.S. House of Representatives over Democratic candidate Nicole "Nikki" Gronli.
In down-ballot statewide executive contests, Republican Heather Baxter won a three-way race for Secretary of State against Democrat Terrence Davis and Libertarian Tamara J. Lesnar. Uncontested Republican candidate Lance Russell secured the office of Attorney General, while Catherine Barranco won the State Auditor position against Democrat Tom Cool. Republican Melissa Hull claimed the State Treasurer race over Democrat Margaret Kuipers, Brock Greenfield won th...