Midterm elections were held on November 2, 2010, in South Dakota. Republican Senator John Thune retained his uncontested Senate seat. In the Governor's race, Republican Dennis Daugaard defeated Democrat Scott Heidepriem.http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2010/results/state/#val=SD

In the race for the District 1 House of Representatives seat, Noem beat his Democratic contender Herseth Sandlin. For state positions, John Gan (R) won Secretary of State, incumbent Marty Jackley (R) retained the Attorney General position, Steve Barnett (R) won the Auditor position and Rich Sattgast (R) won the Treasurer position.

South Dakota residents also voted on four major ballot initiatives. Residents approve a measure for the right to a private ballot in all elections and to broaden the current smoking ban. Residents denied the measure to transfer requirements from the cement fund to the general fund and denied the measure to legalize marijuana for medical use.http://elections.nytimes.com/2010/results/south-dakota

Voting History

Republican presidential contender John McCain defeated Barack Obama in South Dakota in the 2008 presidential election. McCain was awarded three electoral votes for the victory.

Though McCain won the state, he went on to lose the general election to Barack Obama, delivering a concession speech on the night of November 4, 2008. Additionally, Democrat Tim Johnson defeated Republican Joel Dykstra in the state's senate race.msnbc.com: South Dakota 2008 Election Results

• Senate:
  • Election Results:

1. • Tim Johnson: 62% (Winner)
   • Joe Dykstra: 38%
   • Precincts reporting: 100%CNN: South Dakota 2008 Election Results

• 2004: George W. Bush
• 2000: George W. Bush
• 1996: Bob Dole
• 1992: George H. W. Bush
• 1988: George H. W. Bush
• 1984: Ronald Reagan
• 1980: Ronald Reagan
• 1976: Gerald Ford
• 1972: Richard Nixon
• 1968: Richard Nixon

• Governor: Michael Rounds
• Lieutenant Governor: Dennis Daugaard
• Attorney General: Larry Long
• Senators: Tim Johnson (D), John Thune (R)

South Dakota had a proposition on the ballot that would have baned abortion, except in cases of rape and incest. This proposition was rejected on November 4, 2008.

• 2008 Presidential Election Winner: Barack Obama

• Winner of South Dakota's Three Electoral Votes: John McCain
• Margin of Victory: 53% to 45%

• Winner of South Dakota's Senate Seat: Senator Tim Johnson
• Margin of Victory: 62% to 38%

• CNN: South Dakota Election 2008 Results
• msnbc.com: South Dakota 2008 Election Results
• Fox News: South Dakota Election 2008 Results

{{:South Dakota Exit Polls}}

• CNN: 2006 South Dakota Election Results

• 2004 Presidential Election Winner: George W. Bush

• Winner of South Dakota's Three Electoral Votes: George W. Bush
• Margin of victory: 60% to 39%

• Winner of South Dakota's Senate Seat: John Thune
• Margin of Victory: 51% to 49%
• CNN: 2004 South Dakota Election Results