The 2018 midterms have caused a stir among South Dakotans. Data from Google Trends shows that terms such as “election” and “midterm” are seeing their second highest trend ratings in South Dakota since November of 2004 — the highest trend ratings being the 2016 presidential election.
Polls opened statewide at 7 a.m. Tuesday and remained open until 7 p.m., giving voters, who hadn’t taken advantage of South Dakota’s absentee or early voting options, a chance for their voice to be heard.
This midterm election gave voters a say in the election of S.D. Governor, a U.S. Representative, and state House and state Senate seats in each district.
There are also three state constitutional amendments on the ballot this year.
S.D. Governor
Kristi Noem (R): 51%
Billie Sutton (D): 48%
Kurt Evans (L): 1%
U.S. Representative
“Dusty” Johnson (R): 60%
Tim Bjorkman (D): 36%
Ron Wieczorek (I): 2%
George Hendrickson (L): 1%
Attorney General
Jason Ravnsborg (R): 55%
Randy Seiler (D): 45%
Commissioner of School and Public Lands
Ryan Brunner (R): 62%
Woody Houser (D): 38%
State Auditor
Rich Sattgast (R): 64%
Tom Cool (D): 36%
Secretary of State
Steve Barnett (R): 65%
Alexandra Frederick (D): 35%
State Treasurer
Josh Haeder (R): 62%
Aaron Matson (D): 38%
Public Utilities Commissioner
Kristie Fiegen (R): 65%
Wayne Frederick (D): 35%
State Representative, District 7
Tim Reed (R): 33%
Doug Post (R): 22%
“Bill” Adamson (D): 18%
Cory Ann Ellis (I): 14%
Zachary Kovach (D): 13%
State Senator, District 7
V.J. Smith (R): 61%
Mary Perpich (D): 39%
States Attorney
Dan Nelson (R): 52%
Teree Nesvold (I): 48%
Initiated Measure 24
Yes: 56%
No: 44%
Initiated Measure 25
No: 55%
Yes: 45%
Constitutional Amendment W
No: 55%
Yes: 45%
Constitutional Amendment X
No: 54%
Yes: 46%
Constitutional Amendment Z
Yes: 62%
No: 38%
Supreme Court Retention: Should Justice Janine Kern be retained in office?
Yes: 83%
No: 17%
