Rep. Erik Muckey for SD Senate

10/13/2026

I'm proud to stand with my South Dakota Democratic colleagues in the State Legislature calling for a special session.

We can do more to make things more affordable for South Dakota at a time of record-high diesel prices, driven by two international conflicts that are choking the fuel supplies we need.

The Joint Democratic Caucus proposal to enact a diesel fuel tax holiday for the remainder of 2026 is not only affordable but critical to supporting our farmers, local freight companies, and, ultimately, you, the consumer.

We work for the people of South Dakota. We're asking our colleagues in Pierre and the Governor to join us and take action.

BREAKING: South Dakota Democratic Caucus Calls upon Governor Larry Rhoden to call a special session in order to enact a temporary tax holiday on diesel fuel. Read the full letter:

"Dear Governor Rhoden,

On behalf of the Joint Democratic Caucus, we urge you to call the South Dakota Legislature into special session to enact a temporary motor fuel tax holiday on diesel.

South Dakotans are paying the highest diesel prices in our state's history. The statewide average hit $6.29 a gallon on September 21, the highest AAA has ever recorded here, and it stood at $5.98 this past weekend. That is $2.66 more per gallon than a year ago. Our farmers are in the middle of harvest, and our truckers are hauling that harvest along with every other good that reaches a grocery shelf. Families who never fill a diesel tank still pay for it, because diesel is built into the price of everything they buy.

These prices are the cost of the international conflicts, in Iran and in Ukraine, that have choked global fuel supply with no end in sight. Energy analysts and experts across the country agree that diesel will not get cheaper until those situations come to an end. In the meantime, South Dakota’s agricultural producers and consumers pay the price every time they fill up.

We appreciate the intent of the steps your administration has taken. However, these steps are not enough and may create new problems here at home:

- Red-dyed diesel is not a real option for most South Dakotans. Dyed fuel is delivered in bulk to permitted users and is not sold to the general public. On Thursday, October 8, the South Dakota Department of Revenue confirmed that anyone without an agricultural exemption still owes state and local tax on it, while advising everyone else not to use it on the road. Farmers are also worried about being fined for trace dye left in their tanks once the federal order expires.
- Heavier loads will cost us later. Executive Order 2026-11 allows agricultural haulers to run 10% over standard weight limits. Fewer trips save some fuel, but our county and township roads were not built for that weight, and that repair bill will land with counties, townships, and municipalities who are the least prepared to pay for it.
- Importing diesel from Russia may be problematic. The federal government has suspended sanctions on Russian diesel for six months. Leaning on an adversary that is waging one of these wars does nothing to solve a problem we need to solve here in South Dakota, nor does it advance any measure that will reduce diesel prices long-term.

A diesel tax holiday is the most direct relief available, and only the Legislature can provide it. Your office has said that state fuel taxes are set in statute, cannot be waived by executive order, and may require legislation. We agree, and this is the solution that will do the most to help South Dakotans directly. It is urgently needed and needs an immediate response.

Our commonsense proposal is targeted, and tailored to the South Dakota’s legal context and critical needs. It will:

- Reduce the motor fuel tax from 28 cents to 1 cent per gallon on diesel products so the Departments of Revenue and Transportation can continue to count every gallon sold.
- Add new statutory definitions to ensure this tax holiday specifically applies to diesel, where prices are at record highs and the burden on agriculture and freight is passed to the consumer.
- Use that 1 cent per gallon mechanism to track the precise number of diesel gallons purchased to backfill the State Highway Fund and other recipients of fuel tax revenue from reserves to preserve the State’s ability to receive federal highway funds.
- End the tax holiday December 31, 2026, following the harvest and Christmas seasons.

This is a simple but critical fix, and other states have come to it before us. Georgia, Nebraska, Indiana, Ohio, and Utah have all taken similar action. Our own farmers, including associations like the South Dakota Farmers Union, have also asked you and legislators to call a special session for this purpose. Every week that passes without relief is money our producers and families will not get back.

Governor, we urge you to call a special session and deal with this now. We are prepared to work with you for the good of South Dakota.

Senator Liz Larson (Liz Larson for South Dakota)
Senate Minority Leader, District 10

Representative Erin Healy (Representative Erin Healy)
House Minority Leader, District 10

Senator Jamie Smith (Jamie Smith)
Assistant Senate Minority Leader, District 15

Representative Eric Emery (Representative Eric Emery )
Assistant House Minority Leader, District 26A

Representative Kadyn Wittman (Representative Kadyn Wittman)
House Minority Whip, District 15

Representative Nicole Uhre-Balk (Representative Nicole Uhre-Balk)
House Minority Whip, District 32

Representative Erik Muckey (Rep. Erik Muckey for SD Senate)
District 15

cc: Members of the South Dakota Legislature

10/13/2026

My thoughts are with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Department and the family and friends of Deputy Frank.

As I had a chance to speak with our city's law enforcement today, it was clear: the events of this weekend will reverberate for all of our officers.

Thanks to all of our law enforcement officers here in Minnehaha County for your service.

Minnehaha County Sheriff's deputy dies from wounds sustained in shooting

Deputy Katherine Frank first officer in Sioux Falls killed by gunfire in a century

Story: https://www.thedakotascout.com/p/minnehaha-county-sheriff-s-deputy-dies-from-wounds-sustained-in-shooting

10/12/2026

Happy Native American Day!

From all over the region, the Oceti Sakowin came together today in District 15 to celebrate, reflect, and join together as community on a beautiful Sioux Falls morning.

I'm proud of my running mates, Representative Kadyn Wittman and June for District 15 (June CopperStad), for serving as parade volunteers today. I was grateful to join fellow candidates and volunteers on the route and get the word out about the upcoming election (and share some candy, of course). Thanks to the many volunteers and law enforcement officers who made sure the parade was an event we could all enjoy.

South Dakota was the first state in the country to observe Native American Day in lieu of Columbus Day. It was and continues to be an important step toward reconciliation with the first people of this land, the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires, the traditional name of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota).

I'm proud to have sponsored legislation to help take more steps toward reconciliation through Helen's Law passed this last session. But we have so far to go to really build reconciliation and true partnerships with tribal nations across the state and region.

Today was more than another parade. It's another opportunity to build community and a reminder of the work ahead.

10/10/2026

I'm proud to work for working South Dakotans.

This week, I was pleased to receive endorsements from the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 65, as well as the Sioux Falls Regional Labor Federation.

Coming from a middle-class family of public school teachers in rural South Dakota, I've always been proud of the work ethic instilled in me from a young age. And I know that the people of District 15, and South Dakota, work relentlessly to build a better life for their families.

But that work isn't paying off the way it should in an economy that is struggling thanks to tariffs, rising costs, and increasing concentration of corporate power in key industries that are vital to South Dakota's future.

I believe that you should be able to earn and keep the fruits of your labor, whether working hard for one of District 15's many successful employers or the small business you've built.

That's why I'm focused on policies that improve childcare and healthcare affordability, invest in education that translates to economic opportunity, and make it easier to build Main Street businesses that strengthen our communities.

That isn't to mention the work I've already put in to give vulnerable South Dakotans a fair shake and ensure the people who are running the programs you rely upon have a fair wage.

No one should be left behind in our economy, especially working South Dakotans. That's why I'm proud to stand with them and even prouder to earn their support.

10/09/2026

Democracy works best when we're informed.

I've been out four times over the past couple weeks across the city and the state (and online!) about the four constitutional amendments on your ballot this fall.

I've written extensively about my positions (Yes on Amendment K, No on the rest). But what I've enjoyed just as much is getting to speak with folks across the political aisle, across generational age gaps, and across very different geographies in our state.

One thing has stuck out to me in all of this:

South Dakotans desperately want to hear from their elected officials and understand why they're doing what they're doing.

With the largest supermajority in the country (93/7 split in the Legislature) not aligned to the current electorate (54% Republican, 46% everyone else), South Dakotans rightfully wonder if their most common positions and concerns are being addressed by the Legislature.

That's why your vote and your voice matter, especially this year with constitutional amendments that curb your power as a voter and take aim at issues that won't help you access the ballot or get more affordable healthcare.

To be clear: I've stood or sat on stages with colleagues from the opposite party of mine and had great conversations. I can disagree with people who are my friends and walk away with a friendship still intact.

That's what discourse should be. Far too often, it isn't.

Real leaders will listen to you, respond, and take action to address real problems facing our communities and our state.

That's why I take the time to show up for the forums and share perspectives that resonate with South Dakotans.

You deserve elected officials who show up for you and join you in the daily work of making our representative (and sometimes, direct) democracy work.

10/07/2026

✅️ 2,000 doors knocked! Thousands more are possible with your help.

If you want to elect leaders who will work for you, we need your help. Join us to knock doors up through Election Day and get out the vote.

Go to d15democrats.com/volunteer to sign up. Come knock doors with Representative Kadyn Wittman, June CopperStad (June for District 15) and me in the weeks ahead.

Let's win this thing, District 15.

10/05/2026

Why am I running for reelection?

Because I believe public service should be about showing up, listening, and doing the work to make life a little better for the people you represent.

Over the last four years, I’ve had the incredible privilege of representing District 15 in the South Dakota Legislature. I’ve worked across the aisle to tackle issues that matter to our community, from making school meals more affordable for thousands of South Dakota kids to improving our corrections and reentry systems and advocating for the people and neighborhoods that make downtown Sioux Falls such a special place to call home.

There is still so much work ahead, and I’m asking District 15 voters for the opportunity to keep doing it.

Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified for giving each of us the chance to share more about who we are, why we’re running, and what we hope to accomplish in Pierre.

If you live in District 15, I hope you’ll take a few minutes to learn about all of the candidates who are asking to represent you. 👇 And, as always, if you see me out knocking doors, please say hello! 😊

District 15 one of few districts in the Sioux Falls area in which every single seat is hotly contested by both parties.

10/04/2026

KNOW BEFORE YOU VOTE, DISTRICT 15 🗳

Sioux Falls Simplified sat down with every District 15 candidate for a conversation and asked each of us the same questions, with no preview of what was coming.

What you'll read is what we actually said.

The questions cover data centers, school funding, vouchers, childcare, property taxes, Medicaid, elections and more. It's a thorough read that is well worth your time before you fill out your ballot.

You'll find where I stand on giving local communities the right to say no to hyperscale data centers, and why I think property tax relief went the wrong direction when a $2 million home got a bigger break while families will pay higher sales tax on groceries. That, and more about the budget, our need to invest in public education, and preserving the will of the voters on Medcaid are in the article.

You'll also hear from Representative Kadyn Wittman, running for re-election, and June CopperStad (June for District 15), running for my current job. These are leaders that will work for you, and that is clear to see when you read about them below.

You have until October 19 to register. Early voting runs through November 2, and Election Day is November 3.

Check your voter registration and get your sample ballot at vip.sdsos.gov.

District 15 one of few districts in the Sioux Falls area in which every single seat is hotly contested by both parties.

10/02/2026

When I'm not knocking doors, I'm sharing the voice of District 15.

These are just a few snapshots from the past few weeks, all in (or just outside!) our own District 15. We are, in many ways, the beacon of our state and one of its most important gathering places.

We're a community that knows how to host and welcome our neighbors from across the state, country, and the globe.

Whether it's...

✅️ Connecting with top scientists and educators from the Sanford Underground Research Facility in the Black Hills
✅️ Listening to a final report on the state of food access from the South Dakota Healthy Nutrition Collaborative at USD Sioux Falls
✅️ Connecting with SD Air Guard leaders at Downtown Rotary about bringing the F-35 fighter jet to District 15's own 114th Fighter Wing
✅️ Attending the Gubernatorial Debate at South Dakota Public Broadcasting
✅️ Informing voters about constitutional amendments on the ballot at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
..I've been active keeping District 15 at the forefront of the issues and decisions being made in our state.

You'll never have to worry about whether or not I'm working for our community. District 15 is a special place that deserves leaders who roll up their sleeves and put in the work.

That's because we know our community relies on hard work and working for each other. No photo ops, just showing up for our neighbors.

I'm proud to serve you in the House of Representatives. And that's why I'm proud to run alongside Representative Kadyn Wittman and June for District 15, because I know they have, and will continue to, deliver results for our district.

You can rest assured: a vote for me this November is a vote for hard work and results for our community in the South Dakota Senate.

10/01/2026

Neighbors in most of South Dakota have to drive somewhere to vote early. We just walk downtown.

Early voting for Minnehaha County happens at the County Administration Building, right here in District 15. No waiting for Election Day. No long lines. Just stop in on your lunch break.

📍 415 N. Dakota Ave., 3rd floor
🕗 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🗓️ Now through Monday, Nov. 2
🪪 Bring a photo ID

Then bring a friend next time. That's how neighbors show up for each other.

🗳️ Check your registration and ballot: d15democrats.com/ballot

📣 Share this with a D15 neighbor
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.