How often is State Senator elected?

The position of State Senator is typically elected every 2 years.

What does it mean for an election to be partisan?

Partisan elections require candidates to declare a party affiliation, like Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in South Dakota?

Filing fee is $0; signature requirement of major party - 1% of the voters who voted for that party's gubernatorial candidate at the last gubernatorial election, or fifty voters, in the county, part of the county, or district electing a candidate to fill the office, whichever is less. Alternative party - 1% of the voters who voted for that party's statewide candidate receiving the highest votes at the last gubernatorial election in the state. Independent - 1% of the total combined vote cast for Governor at the last certified gubernatorial election within the district or political subdivision

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office.

Where is the filing office?

South Dakota Elections Services: State Capitol, 500 East Capitol Ave, Suite 204 Pierre, SD 57501

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 605-773-3537.

How do I get started running for State Senator?

You can start running for State Senator by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for State Senator does not include a primary or runoff election.

State Senator in South Dakota

Candidates for State Senator

Learn about candidates who have filed to run for State Senator.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the People First Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Who's currently in office

Learn about who represents you in South Dakota.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the People First Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Are you ready for South Dakota's next election?

Get registered and ready to vote, whether in person or by mail.

Check your voter registration

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Find your polling location

Learn where to go to vote in person.

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Request a mail-in ballot

Apply for an absentee ballot to vote by mail.

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About State Senator

About this position

State Senators are members of the state's upper chamber, as part of the state's bicameral legislature. State senators are responsible for voting on: bills related to public policy matters, levels for state spending, raises or decreases in taxes, and whether to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

Office level: State
Election frequency: Every 2 years
Typical salary: $11,892/year + per diem
Commitment level: Part Time
Affiliation: Partisan
Positions: 1 open seat

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for State Senator

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
21 years old; 2 years residency; qualified voter; may not have been convicted of bribery, perjury or other infamous crime; may not have illegally taken "public moneys"; Term Limit: 4 consecutive terms in House, 4 consecutive terms in Senate
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Filing fee is $0; signature requirement of major party - 1% of the voters who voted for that party's gubernatorial candidate at the last gubernatorial election, or fifty voters, in the county, part of the county, or district electing a candidate to fill the office, whichever is less. Alternative party - 1% of the voters who voted for that party's statewide candidate receiving the highest votes at the last gubernatorial election in the state. Independent - 1% of the total combined vote cast for Governor at the last certified gubernatorial election within the district or political subdivision
Filing period
January 2, 2026 - March 31, 2026
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office.
Where to file
South Dakota Elections Services: State Capitol, 500 East Capitol Ave, Suite 204 Pierre, SD 57501
Filing phone
605-773-3537
Step 3
Launch your campaign
A real campaign starts with a real plan. Get a custom campaign plan from GoodParty.org, personalized for your race and district.
Get started

Need help? You don't have to run alone. Join the GoodParty.org Community to get advice from real independents who have run and won.

State Senator in South Dakota

On the ballot

Candidates for State Senator

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for South Dakota's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About State Senator

About this position

Election type

How to run for State Senator

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

How to Run for State Legislature

2026 Political Campaign Playbook

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About this guide

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