Legislature election recap: Nelson holds off Hunhoff; Carley ousted

PIERRE, S.D. – Besides the statewide primary contests that took place Tuesday, which included a hotly contested governor's race, South Dakota Republicans also voted for their nominees for the state Legislature.

Here is a recap of the results in some of the key races.

State Sen. Lauren Nelson of Yankton defeated challenger Jean Hunhoff in District 18, 53%-47%. The contest was a rematch from two years ago when Nelson upset Hunhoff, who at that time was the sitting state senator, in a close race.

Jackley and Rounds win; Doeden, Rhoden to meet in runoffHouse and Senate winners cruise to victory in GOP primary but no governor candidate got needed 35%.South Dakota News WatchAlexander Rifaat

Several incumbents fell, including state Sen. John Carley of Piedmont in District 29 , who lost to William Meirose in a close contest, 49%-51%. Carley was derided early this year during the 2026 legislative session when he abruptly disappeared from the Capitol ahead of a key vote pertaining to data centers.

Another controversial incumbent, state Sen. Tamara Grove of District 26 , lost her bid to stay in office, losing to Rebecca Reimer. It was recently revealed that Grove, whose district includes Presho, Chamberlain and White River, had listed a property in Sioux Falls as her primary residency for tax purposes.

In one of the more notable results of the night, Katie Washnok recorded a resounding victory over state Sen. Carl Perry in District 3. Washnok, who won 63%-37%, had lost to Perry two years ago.

Bountiful ballots: Local election added to June primaryA law change added numerous local nonpartisan and political races to the statewide Republican and Democratic primaries.South Dakota News WatchMolly Wetsch

Another 2024 primary rematch took place in District 21 , where state Sen. MyKala Voita of Bonesteel defeated former state Sen. Erin Tobin 59%-41%. Voita, whose district includes Platte, Burke and White Lake, increased her margin of victory significantly from the contest of two years ago.

In District 24 , which includes Pierre, state Sen. Jim Mehlhaff held off two primary challengers to secure 55% of the vote. The contest, which included Brian Murphy and Mark Nelson, was the only three-way primary state Senate race in the state this year.

On the House side, Rep. Phil Jensen of District 33 , which includes Rapid City, comfortably secured nomination for one of the two House seats. Jensen was suspended by the South Dakota GOP earlier this year for remarks he made toward other House members.

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While his brother secured his nomination for the U.S. Senate race, former state House Rep. Tim Rounds, brother of U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, was unsuccessful in securing a nomination for a House seat in District 24. Mike Weisgram and Laurie Gill were the winners in that contest.

The South Dakota Secretary of State's office has identified seven races that could be heading toward a runoff. While Jensen secured one of the spots in District 33 House race, it is a close contest for who will gain the GOP nomination for the other seat, with Curt Massie holding a lead of just five votes over Jeff Marlette. If the criteria for a recount are met, the losing candidate has until 5 p.m. Friday to file a petition.

See the results of all legislative elections.

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_South Dakota News Watch is an independent nonprofit. Read, donate and subscribe for free at sdnewswatch.org.Contact politics and statehouse reporter Alexander Rifaat: 605-736-4396/__alexander.rifaat@sdnewswatch.org_ .