Election results favor incumbents in District 6

South Dakota made history on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 with the election of the state’s first female Governor, Republican Kristi Noem.

“I grew up with a dad who worked hard every day to build a farm large enough for his kids to come home to, if we wanted,” said Noem. “My dad didn’t make it to see today, but his dreams did. As much as he wanted us to carry on our family farm and ranch, what he really wanted was to give the next generation an opportunity to thrive. That dream serves as the foundation of my vision for South Dakota. I am incredibly grateful to the South Dakotans who have offered me their prayers and support. It’s time to come home, working as governor to build a more prosperous future where all our kids can live in communities that look out for one another and solve problems together.”

Noem and Larry Rhoden won the Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s race by 51%. Democratic candidate Billie Sutton and Michelle Lavallee trailed by 11,478 votes.

The breakdown in the Tea precinct report had Noem up by just over 100 votes, with Noem claiming 834 votes in Tea and Sutton 728 votes.

Voter turnout in Tea was at 54.87%, not as high as the statewide voter turnout which was at 62.75%.