Dear Friends:
I am launching my campaign for re-election to the South Dakota House of Representatives for District 13. Your donation and support helped elect me two years ago. We are waging a vigorous campaign, just like in 2024. I need your help again! You may donate directly to my website at www.johnhughesdistrict13.com.
The primary election is June 2, 2026. This campaign, in addition to my reputation and word, I also have my voting record to run on, which I am pleased to share with you:
Property Tax Reform
Property tax relief for our homeowners was a substantial motivating concern behind my decision to run in 2024. The two bills we passed this past session, SB96 and SB245, provide the pathway to historic property tax relief and reform for homeowners. The property tax package of SB96 and SB245 came together in the final days of the 2026 Legislative Session, when Speaker of the House Jon Hansen teamed up with Governor Rhoden. I was honored when Governor Rhoden asked me to deliver his property tax bill, SB96, on the House floor. I did so because of the agreement between Speaker Hansen and Governor Rhoden to present these two bills as a package for historic property tax relief. When fully implemented, this legislation will deliver 25% to 50% in property tax relief to South Dakota homeowners!
- SB245 (Speaker Jon Hansen’s bill) uses $55 million that is sitting in state reserve funds—money collected from taxpayers over and above what was needed—that is returned to YOU in the form of property tax relief. The $55 million in one-time state reserve funds will prime the pump for a new Homeowner Property Tax Reduction Fund. When the temporary sales tax reduction “sunsets” and the sales tax returns from 4.2% to 4.5%, 100% of that money is paid to YOU by offsetting the owner-occupied levies of the general education formula. This will provide approximately $114 million each year in homeowner property tax reduction. Putting that money 100% back in your pocket is the right thing to do!
- SB96 (Gov. Rhoden’s bill) gives homeowners in each county the option of an immediate, targeted plan to reduce homeowner property taxes through a half-cent local option sales tax. Tourism spending will help shoulder the burden and provide real relief for homeowners. The average relief is $660 (10-25%) per home.
In addition to working to achieve property tax relief and reform, I was prime sponsor of the following 9 successful bills, among others, during my two years in the South Dakota Legislature:
Prison Reform – HB1140 specifically authorizes the court to consider extended residential treatment in a faith-based program as an alternative to continued incarceration for certain offenders with alcohol and/or drug addiction. Programs such as Teen Challenge of the Dakotas (men ages 18 to 70+) will cost taxpayers less than half the cost of inmate incarceration in our prison system.
Fentanyl – HB1230 stiffens penalties for manufacturing, distributing or dispensing fentanyl.
Public Safety – SB116 bans dangerous street racing with stiffer penalties including loss of license for 18 months and a class 6 felony.
Republican Form of Government – HJR5003 requires 60% of voters (instead of a simple majority) to amend our Constitution, which voters will approve or reject as Amendment L on the ballot in the November general election.
Right to Life – HB1274 prohibits the dispensing, distribution, sale, or advertisement of abortion pills in South Dakota for the purpose of an unlawful abortion.
Parental Rights – HB1061 prohibits healthcare providers from denying a parent or guardian access to the medical records of a minor.
Adoption – HB1174 strengthens a mother’s right to make an adoption plan for a child born outside of marriage, the first adoption reform legislation in 50 years.
Adoption – HB1195 allows a parent facing an involuntary termination of parental rights to choose a voluntary adoption plan.
Adoption – HB1197 improves court access for adoptive parents to finalize adoptions.
Hard work and integrity can make a difference in government. But there is much more work to be done! I pledge to continue to work on election integrity, improving the quality of education for our youth, public safety, protecting the unborn, protecting our state’s natural resources, protecting property rights, and reforming our prison system to reduce repeat criminal behavior.
I would greatly appreciate your help so that I can continue to work hard and keep my promises to you for a second term.
Respectfully,
John Hughes