South Dakota Speaker Jon Hansen has taken a bold stand against a dangerous provision in the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s budget reconciliation bill, earning praise from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and conservative leaders nationwide.
Hansen-Lems Campaign joins the front lines of the “Make America Healthy Again” Movement in West River, Commits to School Food Dye Ban Before 2026 Primary. The proposed legislation targets harmful additives such as Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, and Blue Dye No. 1—chemicals linked to cancer risks, hyperactivity, and behavioral problems. The bill will mirror West Virginia’s recent legislation, requiring South Dakota schools to phase out these additives.
The Hansen-Lems 2026 gubernatorial campaign commends the recent decision to dismiss all charges against Charles and Heather Maude, ranchers from Caputa, South Dakota. The Maudes had faced federal indictments alleging theft of government property over approximately 50 acres of federal land, a claim that has now been nullified.
On Thursday evening, April 24, Speaker of the South Dakota House Jon Hansen and Speaker Pro Tempore Karla Lems officially launched their 2026 gubernatorial campaign at a rally held at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance in Sioux Falls. The event drew more than 500 supporters, including property rights advocates, election integrity activists, over a dozen Republican lawmakers, and numerous members of the press.
South Dakota House Speaker Jon Hansen (R-Dell Rapids) and Speaker Pro Tempore Karla Lems (R-Canton) are set to announce their candidacy for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota. The campaign kickoff event will take place on April 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Military Heritage Alliance in Sioux Falls.