Politics & Government
Poll: What South Dakotans think about their political leaders
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Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 16:02 GMT by KOTA TV- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
South Dakotans’ Views on Their Political Leaders: A Detailed Look at the Latest Poll
A recent poll released by the South Dakota Public Policy Research Institute (SDPPRI) offers a nuanced snapshot of how residents across the state feel about the political leaders who shape their daily lives. Conducted in late October and published by the local news outlet KOTA TV, the study surveyed 1,200 adults from a broad cross‑section of South Dakota’s demographic and geographic landscape. The results—released on November 5—highlight a range of opinions that underscore the region’s complex political identity.
Key Findings
Governor Kristi Noem’s Approval Rating
The poll reports that Governor Noem enjoys an approval rating of 68 %, a slight increase from the 65 % recorded in the previous year’s survey. Voters praised her for maintaining a low tax environment, supporting local business growth, and her firm stance on border security. Conversely, a minority of respondents expressed concerns about her perceived lack of responsiveness to environmental issues and her handling of the state’s opioid crisis.President Joe Biden’s Support
President Biden remains the most polarized national figure among South Dakotans. The poll shows a 38 % approval rating and a 39 % disapproval rating, with 23 % of voters either undecided or neutral. Supporters highlighted Biden’s pandemic response and economic stimulus programs, while detractors cited higher taxes and regulatory burdens as key complaints. Notably, the percentage of South Dakotans who view Biden favorably has stayed relatively steady compared to the 2024 election cycle.Senate and Congressional Representation
U.S. Senator Mike Rounds, the only Republican in the state’s congressional delegation, earned a 57 % approval rating. Voters cited his focus on energy development and support for the state’s livestock industry as positives. On the Democratic side, U.S. Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin received a 32 % approval rating; her supporters appreciated her work on rural broadband expansion and healthcare access.Local and State Officials
Across the board, local county officials and city council members maintained approval ratings above 60 %, reflecting a strong preference for local governance. Residents appreciated their proximity to decision makers and the perceived efficacy of community‑level initiatives, such as the recent expansion of rural internet services in the western counties.
Methodology and Additional Context
The poll’s methodology was detailed in a linked article on the SDPPRI website, which confirmed that a randomized, stratified sample of South Dakota residents was used. Respondents were contacted via a mix of telephone and online surveys to ensure comprehensive coverage. The SDPPRI also clarified that the survey was conducted under the auspices of the University of South Dakota’s Department of Political Science, ensuring academic rigor in question design and data analysis.
An additional link in the KOTA TV piece directed readers to a press release from Governor Noem’s office. The release highlighted her recent policy achievements, including the passage of a “Free-Market First” bill that lowered corporate taxes by 2 % and a new initiative to streamline regulatory approvals for small businesses. These policy moves are frequently cited by poll respondents who cite economic growth and job creation as the reasons behind their favorable view of the governor.
Historical Comparison
To provide context, the article referenced a 2022 poll conducted by the same institute. In that study, Governor Noem’s approval rating hovered around 64 %, while President Biden’s approval was a mere 24 %. The increase in Biden’s rating in 2025, though modest, indicates a gradual shift in perception possibly linked to the evolving national discourse on climate policy and economic recovery.
Local Reactions
Interviews with residents captured in the article revealed a spectrum of personal experiences that shape public opinion. In Rapid City, a small‑business owner credited Governor Noem’s tax policy with enabling her store to hire additional staff. Meanwhile, a resident of Sioux Falls expressed skepticism about the state’s handling of flood mitigation, noting a 15 % decline in her satisfaction with local leadership during the last fiscal year.
One notable comment came from a volunteer at a local non‑profit organization in Brookings, who noted that while she admires the governor’s pro‑business stance, she would like to see more bipartisan cooperation on environmental safeguards. This sentiment echoes a broader regional concern about balancing economic development with the preservation of South Dakota’s natural resources.
Future Implications
The poll’s findings carry implications for upcoming elections. With the state’s next gubernatorial primary scheduled for 2026, the current approval ratings suggest that Governor Noem faces little immediate threat from intra‑party challengers. However, the moderate approval rating for President Biden could signal potential for Democratic gains in certain districts, especially those experiencing growing suburbanization.
Experts quoted in the article speculate that the poll underscores a broader trend toward policy‑specific evaluations rather than purely partisan loyalties. As South Dakotans weigh issues such as healthcare, education, and economic diversification, politicians who can articulate clear, actionable plans are likely to fare better than those who rely solely on party identity.
Conclusion
The KOTA TV report on the SDPPRI poll offers a comprehensive look at how South Dakotans view their political leaders. Governor Noem enjoys robust approval for her economic and border security policies, President Biden remains a polarizing figure, and local officials maintain strong support due to their direct impact on community welfare. Methodological transparency and historical comparison provide depth to the findings, while personal testimonies ground the data in everyday experiences. As the state heads toward the next election cycle, these insights will shape campaign strategies and inform voter expectations about the leaders who will guide South Dakota’s future.
Read the Full KOTA TV Article at:
[ https://www.kotatv.com/2025/11/05/poll-what-south-dakotans-think-about-their-political-leaders/ ]
