Marshall County Goes Republican, For Incumbents
Marshall County voters gave Republicans the nod in local, state, and national races in the general election held on Tuesday.
On the local front District 1 State Republican Senator Michael Rohl of Brown County was picked over challenger Independent Susan Wismer of Britton 56-44 percent by Marshall County voters
Republican Tamara St. John of Sisseton will be sent back to the House as will newcomer Republican Joe Donnell (CORRECTION FROM WHAT APPEARS IN THE PAPER). St. John was the top vote getter with 31% of the vote, followed by Republican Joe Donnell at 26% and Democrat Steve McCleerey at 25%. Kay Nikolas of Sisseton ended up with 18%. (All percentages reflect the Marshall County results.)
Statewide, incumbent Governor Kristi Noem and Lieutenant Larry Rhoden won over Democratic challengers Jamie Smith and Jennifer Keintz 59% to 39%. Libertarian Tracey Quint and Ashley Strand took just 2% of the vote.
Republican John Thune was easily re-elected to the U.S. Senate by a 68-29 margin over Democratic challenger Brian Bengs. Libertarian Tamara Lesnar took 3% of the vote. Republican Dusty Johnson was returned to the U.S. House 78-22 percent over Libertarian Collin Duprel
For Secretary of State, Republican Monae Johnson won over Democrat Thomas Cool 58%-42%. The State Auditor race went to Republican Richard Sattgast over Dem. Stephanie Marty 58%-38%. Republican Josh Haeder won the State Treasurer position over Dem. John Cunningham 61%-39%. Marty Jackley, a Republican, ran unchallenged for Attorney General.
In other state races, Chris Nelson was re-elected to the Public Utilities Commission with 66% of the vote over Democrat Jeffrey Barth with 34%. Republican Brock Greenfield won the Commissioner of School and Public Lands position over Democrat Timothy Azure 62%-38%.
On a non-political ballot voters opted to retain all four fifth circuit judges, Marshall Lovrien, Tony Portra, Gregory Magera, Richard Sommers. Voters also elected to retain South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Patricia Devaney, whose term expires on Jan 1, 2023, 81-19%. Supreme Court Justice Mark Salter, whose term expires January 1, 2023, was voted to be retained, 82%-18%.
Voters had decisions to make on two ballot issues.
Initiated Measure 27, which would legalize the possession, use and distribution of marijuana was rejected in the county 53-47%, and generally rejected statewide.
Constitutional Amendment D to expand Medicaid was adopted 60%-40% in Marshall County and on a statewide basis.
Marshall County voters agreed with state results in all of the political races. County votes also agreed with state results on the two ballot issues.
Voter turnout in the county was a very good 68.12% with 1,911 of 2,805 registered voters going to the polls. A total of 379 of those votes were cast by absentee ballot.
All election results are ‘unofficial’ until results are certified.