Coffee with the Candidates: Election Information

The Republican Primary Elections for the Yankton County Commission, Yankton County Auditor and District 18 State House & Senate will take place on Tuesday, June 2.

Voting information and candidate interviews are available below!

IMPORTANT DATES & INFORMATION FOR VOTERS

MONDAY, MAY 18: VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Click here to access a fillable voter registration form
Submit the application in person to the Yankton County Auditor's Office (321 W 3rd St, Yankton, SD 57078)
If you are in doubt about whether you are registered, check the Voter Information Portal at www.sdsos.gov or call the Yankton County Auditor's Office at 605-260-4400

APRIL 27 - JUNE 1: EARLY VOTING PERIOD

Early voting is now planned to open the week of April 27th.
Vote at the Yankton County Government Center (321 W 3rd St) on weekdays from 9AM - 5PM
Questions can be directed to the Yankton County Auditor's Office at 605-260-4400

TUESDAY, JUNE 2: ELECTION DAY

Polls will be open from 7 AM to 7 PM
Click here to view a map of voting centers
Visit the South Dakota Secretary of State's Website for more information.

*The content on this webpage has been provided for informational purposes only and does not reflect the views and opinions of the Yankton Thrive organization.

CANDIDATE FORUMS

View information about candidate forums for the upcoming June 2 primary elections

Yankton Thrive and Interchange hosted a candidate forum for the Yankton County Commission & Auditor on April 14 at the Elks Lodge.
- View the video replay of this candidate forum on KYNTV's Youtube Channel

The Yankton County SD GOP is is inviting community members to attend a series of State Legislative, County Commission & County Auditor primary candidate forums. These events provide an opportunity for the public to pose questions directly to the candidates and hear their responses. For additional information, contact the Yankton County SD GOP via e-mail or on Facebook. The forum schedule is as follows:
- April 20 at 7PM; Utica Hall
- April 27 at 7PM; Gayville Community Center
- May 18 at 7PM; Yankton VFW

YANKTON COUNTY COMMISSION REPUBLICAN PRIMARY CANDIDATES

Julie Auch

Bio

I’m not a career politician—I’m one of you.

I’ve lived in Yankton County my entire life. I’m a fourth-generation farmer and a third-generation business owner, and I know what it means to work hard, take risks, and make a living with grit and integrity. My husband Gary and I farm in the northwest corner of the county, where we raised our four children and are now blessed with eight grandchildren.

I graduated from Yankton High School and attended Mount Marty College, but my real education came from the land, my family, and running a business right here in this community. I understand the challenges our families, farmers, and small business owners face—because I live them every day.

Today, I serve as your State Representative for District 18. In Pierre, I’ve worked on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Local Government, Appropriations Committee, and Government Operations and Audit. I’ve built my reputation by asking tough questions, standing up for taxpayers, and not backing down when it comes to protecting our South Dakota values.

I’m running for County Commission for one simple reason: to stand up for the people of Yankton County—not bureaucrats, not special interests, and not out-of-touch decision-makers.

I believe in protecting private property rights—your land, your money, and your personal freedoms. I believe government should be smaller, more transparent, and accountable to the people it serves. And I won’t be afraid to push back against backroom deals or policies that don’t put local families first.

I stand for God, Family, and Country, and I’m ready to bring that same commitment to the Yankton County Commission.

Because this county doesn’t belong to big money or outside influence.

It belongs to the people who live and work here.

Interview

Robert Gleich

Bio

Interview

Ryan Heine

Bio

Interview

Dan Klimisch

Bio

Dan Klimisch is a dedicated public servant and current member of the Yankton County Commission, committed to keeping local government transparent, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves. A decorated combat veteran and retired U.S. Army officer, Dan brings a mission-focused mindset, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to service to his work on behalf of county residents.

A fifth-generation Yankton County resident, Dan comes from a family that has been farming in the community for over 140 years. This deep-rooted connection to the land and local way of life guides his commitment to protecting rural values and preserving Yankton County's heritage. He lives in rural Utica with his wife Amy and their four children.

With a strong focus on fiscal responsibility, Dan works to keep property taxes low while ensuring that essential services, especially law enforcement, infrastructure, and public safety, remain well-funded and effective. He is a strong advocate for rural communities, prioritizing the maintenance and improvement of roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure that support both residents and economic growth.

Dan believes in reducing unnecessary regulation while encouraging responsible development that preserves the quality of life that makes Yankton County a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Utilizing his military background and leadership experience, he continues to deliver practical, common-sense solutions that support long-term stability and growth.

Dan currently serves as President of the South Dakota Association of County Commissioners and represents South Dakota on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Counties, where he also serves on the National Military and Veterans Service Committee. He is actively involved in the veteran community as South Dakota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) State Surgeon, a board member of the South Dakota Veterans Council, a Bronze Legacy Life Member of Yankton VFW Post 791, a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans, and a life member of American Legion Post 12 in Yankton.

Interview

Nancy Wenande

Bio

Nancy Wenande is the CEO of Yankton Thrive, leading efforts in economic development, workforce, and community growth. She brings experience as a small business owner and nine years as a Yankton City Commissioner. Known for her practical, collaborative approach, Nancy is running for Yankton County Commission to bring practical leadership, support local decision-making, and work with others to get results.

Interview

YANKTON COUNTY AUDITOR REPUBLICAN PRIMARY CANDIDATES

Laura Kotalik

Bio

I was raised in rural Yankton on a small family farm and attended Yankton Public Schools. I was active in 4-H and learned responsibility, record-keeping, and communication skills. I continued my education at SDSU and graduated from USD with my Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in Education. My husband Tim and I raised 3 children with conservative values who became responsible and productive adults.

As an educator, I spent over 14 years teaching over a thousand students across 3 school districts and during my 8 years in ministry, I managed and supervised over 40 staff and 400 volunteer positions, overseeing the budgets, payroll, hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluations. I have served in leadership roles in organizations including as the treasurer for the Yankton County 4-H Leaders’ Association, a board that impacts over 100 children.

I am currently serving in my 4th year as the vice chairman of the local republican party. We have trained in parliamentary procedure, and have worked hard to assist with our responsibilities during elections by providing over 30 poll workers and supporting candidates with poll watchers. I have served in both roles. We have also worked to teach and inform our community about issues. Over the past 4 years, I have worked to become a subject matter expert in our South Dakota Codified Laws in regard to the auditor role and elections, and currently I have been reading or listening to current election related policy decisions in Pierre.

Interview

Sarah Vander Tuig County Auditor Election 2026

Sara Vander Tuig

Bio

My name is Sara Vander Tuig, I am running to be your next County Auditor.

I bring over 10 years of experience in finance, including service in both the County Treasurer’s Office and the City Finance Office. In these roles, I have assisted with elections, licensing, budgeting, and the day- to-day operations that keep local government running efficiently.

I was born and raised in Yankton, where my husband and I are now raising our two daughters. Our Community is incredibly important to me, and I am proud to stay involved through the Yankton Booster Club, serving as a team parent for school sports, and volunteering with youth religion classes.

I am committed to transparency, accuracy, and serving the residents of Yankton County with integrity. I look forward to earning your support and the opportunity to serve our community.

Interview

DISTRICT 18 STATE SENATE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY CANDIDATES

Jean Hunhoff

Bio

Jean Hunhoff is a nurse, small business owner, and former mayor of Yankton who has spent her career focused on strengthening communities and delivering results. She has represented District 18 in both the South Dakota House and Senate, where she built a reputation for asking tough questions, holding government accountable, and supporting policies that promote economic opportunity and workforce growth.

Raised on a farm near Tabor, Jean brings a practical, common-sense approach to leadership. She understands that strong communities depend on a healthy business climate, a skilled workforce, and thoughtful investment in infrastructure and education. Jean and her husband, Dan, have raised four children in Yankton and also are proud grandparents.

Interview

Lauren Nelson

Bio

I am currently the state senator for District 18, having just finished my first two-year term. In Pierre, I served on the Transportation, Education, and Local Government Committees. Last summer I served on the Community Support Providers Study and the Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee. I am married to David, and we just celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary in March. We farm north of Yankton and have raised 3 children, Mary, Beatrice, and Fredrick. I have been a dedicated educator and administrator for 20 years in public, private, and homeschool settings. I am treasurer for the Yankton County Sharpshooters.

Interview

DISTRICT 18 STATE HOUSE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY CANDIDATES

John Marquardt

Bio

John Marquardt is the current Yankton County Commission Chairman running as a Republican for the South Dakota House of Representatives in District 18 during the 2026 election cycle.

A lifelong resident of rural South Dakota, Marquardt was born the 11th of 12 children on a family farm, where he learned hard work and customer service in a small country general store. Professionally, he served as General Manager at Upper Midwest Grain Elevators, gaining expertise in agricultural management, and retired as Southeastern Area USA Softball Umpire in Chief, earning SD State Umpire of the Year in 2020. Marquardt entered public service as Yankton County Commission Chairman in 2023 after winning election in 2022. He has also served as former President of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yankton.

Interview

Mike Nutley

Bio

Hello, my name is Mike Nutley, and I am running for State House District 18 to serve as your voice in Pierre.

Forty-three years ago, I moved to Yankton as a teenager. Not long after, I met my wife of 39 years, Becky. In 1989, we moved to an acreage west of Irene, where we raised our three children—Lea, Elizabeth, and Reid. Today, we’re proud grandparents to nine grandchildren.

I’ve spent my entire adult life working in manufacturing, primarily in Yankton. I’m a maintenance technician by trade and have worked at Vishay Dale Electronics for the past decade. I also serve on the Turkey Valley Township Board, where I’ve dedicated 13 years as both township clerk and now township supervisor.

I’m running for the State House to be a voice for the people of District 18—not for special interests or big corporations.

If elected, I will work hard to protect and stand up for our district by focusing on:

● Property rights

● Smart economic development

● Fiscal responsibility

● Second Amendment rights

● Foundational conservative values

I believe in showing up, working hard, and doing what’s right for the people I represent. I would be honored to earn your support.

Interview

Mike Stevens

Bio

Mike Stevens represents District 18 in the South Dakota House of Representatives. He has served as a House Majority Whip, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Chairman of the Education Committee and also as the Assistant Speaker of the House. He has served 12 years in the House. Prior to serving in the legislature, he served for 22 years on the Yankton School Board. Mike was also the former president of the South Dakota Trial Lawyers.

Mike is married to Linda who taught public school for 42 years. Between them, Mike and Linda have four children and seven grandchildren. All of their children graduated from Yankton High School and received post college degrees.

Mike is an attorney and partner in the law firm of Blackburn & Stevens Prof. LLC. in Yankton.

Interview

*The content on this webpage has been provided for informational purposes only and does not reflect the views and opinions of the Yankton Thrive organization.

Coffee with the Candidates: Election Information

IMPORTANT DATES & INFORMATION FOR VOTERS

MONDAY, MAY 18: VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE

APRIL 27 - JUNE 1: EARLY VOTING PERIOD

TUESDAY, JUNE 2: ELECTION DAY

CANDIDATE FORUMS

YANKTON COUNTY COMMISSION REPUBLICAN PRIMARY CANDIDATES

Julie Auch

Robert Gleich

Ryan Heine

Dan Klimisch

Nancy Wenande

YANKTON COUNTY AUDITOR REPUBLICAN PRIMARY CANDIDATES

Laura Kotalik

Sara Vander Tuig

DISTRICT 18 STATE SENATE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY CANDIDATES

Jean Hunhoff

Lauren Nelson

DISTRICT 18 STATE HOUSE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY CANDIDATES

John Marquardt

Mike Nutley

Mike Stevens

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