South Dakota (rank #46 of 50 by population)

Data snapshot: 2026-03-27 · Population ~0.92M

1. Key organs of government

States typically divide power into executive (governor and agencies), legislative (bicameral legislature except Nebraska), and judicial (courts of last resort and lower courts). Below: statewide elected executive, each legislative chamber, and the apex court.

Executive branch: Governor; Lieutenant Governor; other statewide offices — verify
South Dakota Senate — President / President pro tempore — verify · 35 seats · Republican majority (~88.6% of seats)
South Dakota House of Representatives — Speaker — verify · 70 seats · Republican majority (~90.0% of seats)
South Dakota Supreme Court — Chief Justice · 5 seats · Varies — verify

2. Elected seats & majority strength

Organ / body	Total seats	Presiding / chief role	Majority party	Approx. majority seats	% of chamber
South Dakota Senate	35	President / President pro tempore — verify	Republican	31	88.6%
South Dakota House of Representatives	70	Speaker — verify	Republican	63	90.0%
South Dakota Supreme Court	5	Chief Justice	— (court)	—	—

Note: Majority figures are approximate snapshots; special elections can change counts. Verify on the state legislature website. Current Speaker / Senate president (or equivalent) names appear on each legislature’s leadership page, not in this static file.

3. Leader of the executive (Governor)

Office	Governor
Current officeholder	Larry Rhoden (Republican)
Last general election	2024-11-05
Next general election	2026-11-03

4. Legislative elections (both chambers)

Last general	2024-11-05
Next general	2026-11-03
Note	Legislative elections in November of even years (confirm primaries with SoS).

Which seats are on the ballot next?

South Dakota House of Representatives. All 70 seats have 2-year terms. Every seat is on the ballot in November 2026 (and in every general election in even years).
South Dakota Senate. All 35 upper-chamber seats have 2-year terms. Every seat is on the ballot in November 2026 (and every general election in even years).

5. Critical dates (typical patterns)

Confirm filing deadlines, primaries, and session calendars on the Secretary of State and legislature sites.