According to a recently released poll, Attorney General Marty Jackley would be the clear frontrunner in the Republican Primary for the states open US House Seat. A statewide poll of 502 registered GOP voters conducted Oct. 16–20 by Mason-Dixon Polling and co-sponsored by South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy shows Jackley at 57%, followed by State Sen. Casey Crabtree at 5% and Businessman James Bialota at 2% with 36% of respondents undecided.
Jackley, a former U.S. Attorney and two-time state attorney general, entered the House race after Rep. Dusty Johnson announced a gubernatorial bid. Analysts say Jackley’s name recognition and Washington ties give him a strong advantage, with little indication that other candidates can close the gap.
Crabtree, appointed to the Senate in 2020, lost his majority leader role after sponsoring a controversial carbon pipeline bill that contributed to several GOP primary losses in 2024. Bialota, a military surplus store owner and Air Force veteran, faces challenges with name recognition and legal issues, including recent arrests he claims are politically motivated.
The primary election is set to take place on June 2nd, 2026 and if necessary, a run-off would take place on July 28th of next year.
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