2018 South Dakota gubernatorial election explained

Election Name:2018 South Dakota gubernatorial election
Country:South Dakota
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:2014 South Dakota gubernatorial election
Previous Year:2014
Next Election:2022 South Dakota gubernatorial election
Next Year:2022
Election Date:November 6, 2018
Image1:File:Noem Portrait (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:Kristi Noem
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Running Mate1:Larry Rhoden
Popular Vote1:172,912
Percentage1:50.97%
Nominee2:Billie Sutton
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Running Mate2:Michelle Lavallee
Popular Vote2:161,454
Percentage2:47.60%
Map Size:260px
Governor
Before Election:Dennis Daugaard
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Kristi Noem
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2018 South Dakota gubernatorial election took place on November 6, 2018, to elect the next governor of South Dakota. Incumbent Republican governor Dennis Daugaard was term-limited and could not seek a third consecutive term.

Republican candidate Kristi Noem won against Democratic candidate Billie Sutton in the closest gubernatorial election in South Dakota since 1986.[1] Noem also became the first female governor of the state.[2] Her victory extended the longest active hold on a governorship by one party; the GOP has won every gubernatorial election in South Dakota starting in 1978. Conversely, Noem's vote percentage of 51% was the worst performance for any Republican gubernatorial candidate in the state since 1974, while Sutton's 47.6% was the best for any Democratic candidate since 1986.

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

Failed to qualify for primary ballot

Declined

Debates

Jackley and Noem participated in three debates.

First debate

In the first debate both candidates tried to define the other. Jackley stated: "It’s Washington experience versus South Dakota experience." "Marty’s background has been being a government lawyer," Noem said.[12]

Second debate

In the second debate, Noem discussed Jackley's scandals. "In EB5, the state oversight program, nobody went to jail. On Gear-Up, still, nobody's been punished. When we talk about what's been going on in Brookings with the Global Aquaponics scam—a con artist, Tobias Ritesman, held a fundraiser for Marty Jackley. Marty attended his phony groundbreaking for his phony project," Noem says. "People lost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Still, nobody's been investigated and nobody’s been prosecuted. That needs to change in our state."

Jackley was on the defensive during the second debate. "Congresswoman, he didn’t hold a fundraiser for me. I was at an event that he was at, and I did go to a ground breaking because that's what important in South Dakota," Jackley says. "When we have businesses expanding I think it’s important that we attend those. You talk about Gear-Up, there hasn’t been a sentencing because these defendants are presumed innocent. But I as attorney general, unlike Washington, have done something about it. I actually formed a grand jury. Indictments have been issued. They're schedule to begin jury trials in July—or, excuse me—June, June 26th and I plan on trying those personally, because that’s what a leader does." [13]

Final debate

In the final debate, Jackley and Noem took tough questions about workforce development, anti-discrimination laws, drugs, uniting Democrats and Republicans in the state to make critical decisions and much more.While they spent a lot of time talking about their plans for the state, they also spent a lot of time attacking each other's records.A major topic of contention was Boards and commissions. The state currently has 134 of them. Noem said she wants to streamline different processes for licensure, eliminating "red tape" but Jackley disagreed."Every time that a proposal comes forward to create a new 'blue ribbon' task force, a board or a commission, what typically comes with that is another layer of bureaucracy," Noem said.Jackley defended the government bureaucracy. "We need a governor that understands that various different boards, isn't out there criticizing different boards and saying that type of service isn't important," Jackley said.Jackley spoke about putting together a task force to work on government transparency and open records laws."I'm committed when I become governor to put forth a taskforce ...because we need to take a look at the open records law," he said.And they both ended the debate with another jab at one another."It really comes to down to Washington experience versus South Dakota experience," Jackley said. "The congresswoman has been spending considerable time and effort talking about Marty Jackley, but I'm talking about you, South Dakota." "Days ago he stood up and talked about protecting victims while behind the scenes he was actively working to silence one to further his political career," Noem said. "You deserve a governor who will be honest with you, who will tell you the truth and who is willing to be accountable." [14]

Polling

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin
of error
Kristi
Noem
Marty
Jackley
Lora
Hubbel[15]
Terry
LaFleur
Undecided
Mason-Dixon May 21–23, 2018625± 4.5% align=center45%44%11%
Leverage Public StrategiesMay 4–7, 2018350± 5.2%38% align=center39%24%
Clout Research (R)April 21–23, 2018815± 3.4% align=center49%37%14%
Rockbridge Strategy (R)April 4, 2018500± 2.9% align=center44%33%23%
Moore InformationFebruary 8, 2018300± 6.0% align=center40%35%5%2%18%
New Age Consultants (R-LaFleur) November 3, 2017509± 4.4%22% align=center24%3% align=center51%

Results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

Declined

Libertarian Party

Candidates

Declared

Results

Constitution Party

Following an internal controversy within the Constitution Party of South Dakota over who was the legal party chair, Dan Lederman—individually and in his capacity as chair of the South Dakota Republican Party—sued Republican secretary of state Shantel Krebs to prevent her from certifying any Constitution Party nominees for the general-election ballot. For somewhat complex reasons, state circuit judge Patricia DeVaney ruled in favor of the Republican Party on August 17.[23] [24]

G. Matt Johnson and Lora Hubbel—Constitution Party nominees for the state's at-large U.S. House seat and governor respectively—then sued Krebs in federal court on August 29 seeking ballot access for themselves and four other Constitution Party nominees. For various procedural reasons, federal district judge Roberto Lange ruled against the Constitution Party on October 1.[25] [26] [27]

Candidates

Declared

Withdrawn

Independents

Candidates

Declined

General election

Candidates

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report[34] October 26, 2018
The Washington Post[35] November 5, 2018
FiveThirtyEight[36] November 5, 2018
Rothenberg Political Report[37] November 1, 2018
Sabato's Crystal Ball[38] November 5, 2018
RealClearPolitics[39] November 4, 2018
Daily Kos[40] November 5, 2018
Fox News[41] November 5, 2018
Politico[42] November 5, 2018
Governing[43] November 5, 2018

Polling

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin
of error
Kristi
Noem (R)
Billie
Sutton (D)
Kurt
Evans (L)
OtherUndecided
Change ResearchNovember 2–4, 201885145% align=center51%2%
Emerson CollegeNovember 1–4, 2018514± 4.5% align=center48%47%1%5%
Mason-DixonOctober 29–31, 2018500± 4.5% align=center47%44%1%8%
Mason-DixonOctober 18–22, 2018500± 4.5%45%45%1%9%
ALG Research (D-Sutton)September 20–24, 2018500± 4.4%42% align=center45%3%10%
ALG Research (D-Sutton)July 19–25, 2018500± 4.4% align=center46%42%13%
ALG Research (D-Sutton)October 4–9, 2017[44] 500± 4.4% align=center53%40%

Results

Results by county

CountyKristi NoemLarry Rhoden

Republican

Billie SuttonMichelle Lavallee

Democratic

Kurt EvansRichard Shelatz

Libertarian

Totalvotes
%%%
Aurora50.31%64447.42%6072.27%291,280
Beadle52.09%3,18246.37%2,8321.54%946,108
Bennett50.18%55347.46%5232.36%261,102
Bon Homme47.43%1,30351.26%1,4081.31%362,747
Brookings44.35%5,22554.09%6,3721.55%18311,780
Brown47.48%6,82151.08%7,3381.44%20614,365
Brule51.78%1,10346.53%9911.69%362,130
Buffalo25.18%13873.54%4031.28%7548
Butte65.78%2,50532.41%1,2341.81%693,808
Campbell75.14%55023.63%1731.23%9732
Charles Mix46.76%1,66152.17%1,8531.07%383,552
Clark52.82%87946.15%7681.02%171,664
Clay33.42%1,55265.44%3,0391.14%534,644
Codington54.85%5,86543.93%4,6971.22%13110,693
Corson38.38%42660.09%6671.53%171,110
Custer63.26%2,78935.09%1,5471.65%734,409
Davison51.95%3,77946.71%3,3981.33%977,274
Day43.46%1,20755.13%1,5311.40%392,777
Deuel52.94%1,05344.90%8932.16%431,989
Dewey21.35%39377.68%1,4300.97%181,841
Douglas74.87%1,12024.26%3630.87%131,496
Edmunds59.60%1,01839.29%6711.11%191,708
Fall River64.51%2,05933.36%1,0652.13%683,192
Faulk62.70%67436.09%3881.21%131,075
Grant55.28%1,78043.11%1,3881.61%523,220
Gregory51.42%1,10747.79%1,0290.79%172,153
Haakon77.67%73420.74%1961.59%15945
Hamlin64.95%1,76433.98%9231.07%292,716
Hand57.16%95041.10%6831.74%291,662
Hanson58.69%94540.19%6471.12%181,610
Harding73.62%50525.36%1741.31%9686
Hughes46.82%3,74951.75%4,1441.42%1148,007
Hutchinson63.28%2,08235.87%1,1800.85%283,290
Hyde61.67%40737.57%2480.76%5660
Jackson51.97%51346.00%4542.03%20987
Jerauld51.79%47846.91%4331.30%12923
Jones66.12%36131.68%1732.20%12546
Kingsbury53.08%1,30345.25%1,1111.67%412,455
Lake47.69%2,48351.26%2,6691.05%555,207
Lawrence54.91%5,98442.90%4,6752.19%23910,898
Lincoln53.27%12,89445.89%11,1090.84%20324,206
Lyman49.36%69148.71%6821.93%271,400
Marshall43.15%85355.28%1,0931.57%311,977
McCook55.07%1,37543.37%1,0831.56%392,497
McPherson69.16%72929.32%3091.52%161,054
Meade62.70%6,41334.80%3,5592.50%25610,228
Mellette42.05%29955.56%3952.39%17711
Miner47.33%52351.58%5701.09%121,105
Minnehaha45.78%32,35552.98%37,4501.24%87670,681
Moody46.97%1,34051.49%1,4691.54%442,853
Oglala Lakota7.05%21491.50%2,7781.45%443,036
Pennington55.06%22,94443.17%17,9881.77%73841,670
Perkins70.91%95327.38%3681.71%231,344
Potter67.91%82130.85%3731.24%151,209
Roberts43.87%1,64355.06%2,0621.07%403,745
Sanborn57.68%59340.76%4191.56%161,028
Spink49.02%1,37649.66%1,3941.32%372,807
Stanley51.24%76247.35%7041.41%211,487
Sully61.58%50036.45%2961.97%16812
Todd17.40%39081.70%1,8310.90%202,241
Tripp57.45%1,43041.10%1,0231.45%362,489
Turner58.75%2,27240.24%1,5561.01%393,867
Union60.85%4,06838.06%2,5441.09%736,685
Walworth64.98%1,46833.29%7521.73%392,259
Yankton45.73%4,12152.78%4,7571.49%1349,012
Ziebach29.32%24169.59%5721.09%9822
Total50.97%172,91247.60%161,4541.43%4,848339,214

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic

External links

Official campaign websites

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Yes, South Dakota has had close governor races, but it's been awhile. Argus Leader. Ellis. Jonathon. November 6, 2018. November 8, 2018.
  2. Web site: Nord . James . Kristi Noem sworn in as South Dakota's 1st female governor . AP . January 5, 2019.
  3. Web site: Noem open to running for governor. Rapid City Journal. Tan. Tiffany. February 5, 2016. June 14, 2016.
  4. Web site: South Dakota rep. launches gubernatorial bid. Lisa. Hagen. The Hill. November 14, 2016. November 14, 2016.
  5. News: Marty Jackley moves $700K toward governor run. Argus Leader. 2016-12-04.
  6. Web site: SD Attorney General Marty Jackley Jumps into 2018 Governors Race Radio 570 WNAX. Radio 570 WNAX. 2016-12-04.
  7. Web site: Epp . Todd . March 27, 2018 . UPDATE: Who is officially on ballot for Governor, House? Hubbel running as independent . KELO Newstalk . June 5, 2018 . August 12, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180812052919/https://kelo.com/news/articles/2018/mar/27/who-is-officially-on-ballot-for-governor-house/ . dead .
  8. Web site: Michels Says He Won't Run For Governor. Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan. Dockendorf. Randy. March 31, 2017. March 31, 2017.
  9. Web site: Noem, Mickelson, Jackley eye governor. Ellis. Jonathan. February 14, 2015. Argus Leader. June 14, 2016.
  10. Web site: Mark Mickelson visit could presage run for the governorship. Rapid City Journal. Holland. Jim. April 16, 2016. June 14, 2016.
  11. Web site: Mark Mickelson Says He Won't Run For Governor In 2018. KELOLAND News. 22 May 2018. 23 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180523011356/http://www.keloland.com/news/article/politics/mark-mickelson-says-he-won-t-run-for-governor-in-2018. dead.
  12. Web site: Jackley and Noem battle in TV debate. capjournal.com. May 28, 2018 . July 6, 2021.
  13. Web site: GOP Governor Candidates Spar Over Transparency During SDPB TV Debate. sdpb.org. May 30, 2018 . July 6, 2021.
  14. Web site: Jackley, Noem face-off in final contentious debate before primary election. dakotanewsnow.com. May 31, 2018 . July 6, 2021.
  15. hypothetical Republican candidate, seeking Constitution Party nomination
  16. Web site: Democrats, Sutton enter South Dakota governor race. Argus Leader. Ferguson. Dana. May 31, 2017. May 31, 2017.
  17. Web site: Disaffected Democrats ready to return to Herseth Sandlin — in the governor's race. KELO-TV. Woster. Kevin. October 3, 2015. June 14, 2016. August 19, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160819133027/http://kelolandblogs.com/tellkevin/politics-in-keloland/disaffected-democrats-ready-to-return-to-herseth-sandlin-in-the-governors-race/. dead.
  18. Web site: Herseth Sandlin: 'I am done seeking political office'. Argus Leader. Raposa. Megan. February 23, 2017. April 1, 2017.
  19. Web site: Mayor says he'll need 'suicide watch' when term ends. Argus Leader. Ellis. Jonathan. November 5, 2015. June 14, 2016.
  20. Web site: Beginning of the Huether for Governor tour?. Rapid City Journal. Tupper. Seth. November 10, 2015. June 14, 2016.
  21. Web site: Huether dumps Dems amid speculation of statewide run. Argus Leader. Anderson. Patrick. December 19, 2016. April 1, 2017.
  22. Web site: Bardash . Ellen . May 21, 2018 . Evans announces run for Libertarian Party nomination . Mitchell Daily Republic . July 18, 2018.
  23. Web site: Epp . Todd . August 15, 2018 . Constitution Party has two gubernatorial candidates--for now . KELO Newstalk . October 5, 2018 . November 11, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181111030121/https://kelo.com/news/articles/2018/aug/15/constitution-party-has-two-gubernatorial-candidates-for-now/ . dead .
  24. Web site: Askins . Dave . August 19, 2018 . Libertarians listed first on South Dakota ballots . Pierre Capital Journal . October 5, 2018.
  25. Web site: Peters . Anna . August 30, 2018 . South Dakota Candidates File Lawsuit To Get On November Ballot . KELO-TV . October 5, 2018.
  26. Web site: Mallory . Brady . September 27, 2018 . Federal Judge Hears Constitution Party Members' Lawsuit . KELO-TV . October 5, 2018 . September 28, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180928162744/https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/federal-judge-hears-constitution-party-members-lawsuit-says-there-s-a-rift-in-the-party/1479977129 . dead .
  27. Web site: Winger . Richard . October 3, 2018 . South Dakota Constitution Party Asks Federal Court to Put Its Nominees on Ballot and to Resolve Intra-Party Dispute, but Court Declines . Ballot Access News . October 5, 2018.
  28. Web site: Heidelberger . Cory . June 17, 2018 . Gortmaker Challenges LaFleur for Constitution Party Nomination for Governor . Dakota Free Press . September 28, 2018.
  29. Web site: Huether moves hint at 2018 run. Argus Leader. Sneve. Joe. March 7, 2017. April 1, 2017.
  30. Web site: Sitting down with Mayor Mike and Cindy Huether Sitting down with Mike and Cindy Huether. KSFY. Collen. Courtney. March 23, 2017. April 1, 2017.
  31. Web site: Ferguson . Dana . June 20, 2018 . Kristi Noem names long-time state lawmaker Larry Rhoden as running mate . . October 6, 2018.
  32. Web site: Ferguson . Dana . June 14, 2018 . Billie Sutton names running mate right before SD Democractic Party meet in Sioux Falls . . October 6, 2018.
  33. Web site: Venhuizen . Tony . June 10, 2018 . Libertarians and the modern history of minor party candidates for SD Governor . SoDak Governors . October 6, 2018.
  34. Web site: 2018 Governor Race Ratings for October 26, 2018. The Cook Political Report. en. 2021-04-10.
  35. News: The Washington Post's gubernatorial race ratings. The Washington Post. October 16, 2018.
  36. Web site: 2018 Governor Forecast FiveThirtyEight. FiveThirtyEight. 17 October 2018 . en. October 17, 2018.
  37. News: 2018 Gubernatorial Ratings Inside Elections. insideelections.com. en. 2017-11-15.
  38. Web site: Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball » 2018 Governor. www.centerforpolitics.org. en-US. 2017-11-15.
  39. Web site: 2018 Governor Races. RealClearPolitics. October 9, 2018.
  40. Web site: 2018 Governor Race Ratings. Daily Kos. June 5, 2018.
  41. Web site: 2018 Midterm Power Ranking. Fox News. 16 May 2023 .
  42. Web site: Politico Race Ratings. Politico.
  43. Web site: 2018 Governor Elections: As November Nears, More Governors' Races Become Tossups . www.governing.com . en . 2018-07-18 . October 21, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181021005343/http://www.governing.com/topics/politics/gov-governors-races-july-ratings.html . dead .
  44. Web site: South Dakota Governor Polls. Aaron Bycoffe, Ritchie King and Dhrumil. Mehta. 28 June 2018. FiveThirtyEight.