Candidates
who put
South Dakota
First.
A guide to the common-sense candidates running for office across South Dakota — from the statehouse to your school board. People standing up for our neighbors, our land, our way of life, and our state’s future — and doing it respectfully, the way politics should be in South Dakota.
“We got tired of scrolling through PACs and polls to figure out who actually stands for our values. So we built the guide we wished we had.”
How we decide
what’s sensible
Every candidate on this guide is reviewed against the same five principles. No money changes hands. No campaign picks its own grade.
Rooted in South Dakota — lives, works, and raises their family in the district they want to represent. Stands with the farmers, ranchers, and landowners who keep this state running.
A clear, written record of defending free speech, due process, and 2nd Amendment rights.
Low taxes, balanced budgets, and keeping South Dakota affordable for the families building a life here.
Not just values — a plan. Invested in keeping young people and smart minds here, and in the South Dakota we leave to the next generation.
Approachable, kind, and willing to build bridges across disagreements instead of deepening them. Accountable to neighbors — not lobbyists.
The Sensible
Slate
Our editorial team is working through candidate records, public statements, and questionnaires. In the meantime, every candidate running this cycle is listed below for full transparency. Check back for updates as the Sensible slate is announced.
Find your
sensible
candidates.
Drop in your home address. We’ll pinpoint your US House, state legislative, county, and school-board districts — then show you the Sensible candidates on your ballot.
Your address stays on your device. We use it only to look up your districts and never log it on our servers.
Enter your South Dakota home address.
Mark your
calendar
Key dates for the 2026 South Dakota election cycle. Deadlines move — confirm with the SOS office.
Fair
questions
Don’t see yours here? Write us — we publish updated Q&A after every candidate forum.
Which candidates make the Sensible slate?
Sensible SD picks candidates at the federal, state, county, and local level who reflect common-sense South Dakota values — rooted here, constitutionally grounded, focused on keeping the state affordable, invested in its future, and willing to work across disagreements instead of deepening them.
Do candidates pay to be listed?
No. Not a dollar. Listings are free and a spot on the Sensible slate can't be bought.
How often is the guide updated?
Weekly during the cycle — more often during the final month. Every change is stamped with a date in the footer.
How is the Sensible slate decided?
Our team reviews voting records, public statements, and candidate questionnaires against our five principles. We only put candidates on the Sensible slate who we'd be proud to send to Pierre or Washington.
My county isn't listed. Can you add it?
Absolutely. Send us the race and candidates and we'll prioritize a review. We cover all 66 SD counties; coverage depth grows with volunteer bandwidth.