2026 Midterms · U.S. House · South Dakota Safe
South Dakota — At-Large District
Democratic
Nicole Gronli
Republican
Marty J. Jackley
Democrat Nicole Gronli faces Republican South Dakota Attorney General Marty J. Jackley in the open-seat race for South Dakota's At-Large Congressional District in November 2026, following incumbent Representative Dusty Johnson's retirement to run for governor. Jackley campaigns heavily on his extensive law enforcement career, Trump endorsement, agricultural background, and conservative policy platform, while Gronli emphasizes a pragmatic approach to government reform. Major nonpartisan political handicappers—including Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill—rate the general election as Solid or Safe Republican.
Role of government
low salienceWhile Jackley focuses on eliminating federal regulations and cutting Washington bureaucracy, Gronli argues that government does not necessarily need to be reduced or enlarged, but rather made to work better.
Nicole Gronli
Supports pragmatic efficiency over government growth
Gronli frames her candidacy around making existing government institutions function more effectively rather than expanding their scope. She emphasizes listening to residents and exercising leadership that delivers better service to South Dakotans.
- Focus on improving government delivery and performance rather than increasing government size
- Prioritize responsive listening and collaborative leadership
“I don’t believe government needs to be bigger… I think it needs to be BETTER.”
Marty J. Jackley
Supports cutting red tape and federal overreach
Jackley advocates reducing federal authority and cutting administrative red tape, promising to reject Washington political maneuvering in favor of practical results.
- Eliminate unnecessary federal rules affecting agriculture and small business
- Reject Washington partisanship to focus on state results
“South Dakota sent me to get things done, not to play Washington games.”
Border security & immigration
high salienceMarty J. Jackley
Supports securing border and completing wall
Jackley links illicit meth and fentanyl on South Dakota streets directly to an unsecured southern border, drawing on his experience prosecuting drug traffickers as U.S. Attorney and state Attorney General. He calls for completing construction of the border wall and providing law enforcement with full backing to stop drug pipelines.
- Complete construction of the southern border wall
- Support law enforcement and prosecutors to stop illegal drug trafficking originating at the border
- Leverage prosecutorial experience to target drug cartels and traffickers
“The meth and fentanyl on our streets come across an open border. I have prosecuted the traffickers who bring it here. Secure the border, finish the wall, and let law enforcement do its job.”
Crime & public safety
high salienceMarty J. Jackley
Supports strong prosecution and backing police
Highlighting his tenure as South Dakota Attorney General and U.S. Attorney, Jackley makes public safety a primary centerpiece of his campaign. He promises to ensure police officers, sheriffs, and prosecutors have the resources, authority, and professional support needed to keep communities safe.
- Provide police, sheriffs, and prosecutors with necessary tools and resources
- Prioritize strict prosecution of violent criminals and drug traffickers
- Utilize over a decade of executive law enforcement experience in federal and state office
“I have spent my career putting violent criminals behind bars. In Congress I will back our police, sheriffs, and prosecutors with the tools and the respect they have earned. Public safety comes first.”
Agriculture
high salienceMarty J. Jackley
Supports deregulation and fair agricultural trade
Jackley cites his background owning a farm in Vale and a ranch near Pierre to demonstrate his connection to South Dakota producers. He pledges to advocate for fair commodity markets, equitable international trade, and the reduction of federal regulations affecting farmers and ranchers.
- Reduce federal regulatory burdens on agricultural operations
- Advocate for fair market conditions and international trade agreements
- Represent rural communities using direct personal experience as a farm and ranch owner
“Farmers and ranchers feed this country. I have a farm at Vale and a ranch near Pierre, so I know what a bad year costs a family. I will fight for fair markets, honest trade, and less Washington red tape.”
Second Amendment
medium salienceMarty J. Jackley
Opposes gun control and defends gun rights
Jackley considers Second Amendment protections absolute and non-negotiable. He emphasizes his background as a gun owner, hunter, and parent, along with an A+ rating from the National Rifle Association.
- Oppose federal gun control legislation and restrictions on firearm ownership
- Promote safe gun ownership and hunting traditions
- Maintain an A+ rating from the National Rifle Association
“The right to keep and bear arms is not negotiable. I hunt, I raised my kids around firearms handled right, and I have an A+ rating from the NRA. I will defend the Second Amendment every time.”
Economy & taxation
medium salienceMarty J. Jackley
Supports tax cuts and Trump economic platform
Jackley explicitly aligns his economic priorities with former President Donald Trump's 'America First' platform. He focuses on cutting federal taxes and curbing government spending and administrative bureaucracy.
- Pass federal tax cuts
- Support 'America First' trade and economic measures
- Reduce federal regulatory spending and government interference
“President Trump endorsed me, and I support his agenda. Secure the border, cut taxes, and put America first.”