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Public Utilities Commissioner
2026 South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner — General Election · November 3, 2026
Official filing status and all displayed profile fields are shown with retained source evidence. Final ballot placement remains explicitly pending.
Last reviewed September 17, 2026Policy statements from campaign-controlled sources are labeled candidate positions; they are not independently presented as proven outcomes.
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South Dakota Secretary of State — 2026 General Election Candidate List
Contest: Public Utilities Commissioner
Candidate: Don Haggar
Party: Republican
Petition or convention filing date: 2026-06-29
Ballot order: 1
Status: Active
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Serving as State Director of Americans for Prosperity, Don continued his work to advance conservative policies, economic freedom, and limited government.
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Serving as State Director of Americans for Prosperity, Don continued his work to advance conservative policies, economic freedom, and limited government.
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Prioritize grid stability with smart investments and strengthened infrastructure to handle peak demand and weather extremes, ensuring South Dakotans can always count on their power.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Prioritize grid stability with smart investments and strengthened infrastructure to handle peak demand and weather extremes, ensuring South Dakotans can always count on their power.
Defend landowner rights by opposing government overreach and eminent domain abuse. Infrastructure should be built through respect, transparency, and fair negotiation—not forced takings.
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Defend landowner rights by opposing government overreach and eminent domain abuse. Infrastructure should be built through respect, transparency, and fair negotiation—not forced takings.
Fight costly mandates and overregulation while promoting competition to reduce prices, keeping utility costs low for families and job creators.
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Fight costly mandates and overregulation while promoting competition to reduce prices, keeping utility costs low for families and job creators.
My Plan: Protecting Landowners. Strengthening the Grid. Keeping Energy Affordable.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
My Plan: Protecting Landowners. Strengthening the Grid. Keeping Energy Affordable.
The permitting process begins with a notification of intent filed at least six months before submitting a formal application which is dictated by South Dakota law. Applicants must provide detailed plans, including:
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
The permitting process begins with a notification of intent filed at least six months before submitting a formal application which is dictated by South Dakota law. Applicants must provide detailed plans, including:
Enforcement involves regular inspections by PUC staff, including physical testing, record reviews, and operator training evaluations. The program oversees approximately 304 miles of transmission and 5,367 miles of distribution pipelines serving over 224,000 customers. Violations can result in civil penalties or criminal charges; for instance, knowingly disposing of or altering a pipeline involved in an emergency release is a Class 5 felony. Operators must also notify the PUC within 30 days of ownership changes.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Enforcement involves regular inspections by PUC staff, including physical testing, record reviews, and operator training evaluations. The program oversees approximately 304 miles of transmission and 5,367 miles of distribution pipelines serving over 224,000 customers. Violations can result in civil penalties or criminal charges; for instance, knowingly disposing of or altering a pipeline involved in an emergency release is a Class 5 felony. Operators must also notify the PUC within 30 days of ownership changes.
Certification and Registration: Telecommunications companies must register with the PUC to operate in South Dakota. This includes incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs), competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs), wireless providers, and interexchange carriers. As of recent data, there are 86 CLECs listed. The PUC designates Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) eligible for federal Universal Service Fund (USF) support, which funds broadband deployment in rural areas. For example, ETCs must meet service quality standards and commit to providing broadband at specified speeds.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Certification and Registration: Telecommunications companies must register with the PUC to operate in South Dakota. This includes incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs), competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs), wireless providers, and interexchange carriers. As of recent data, there are 86 CLECs listed. The PUC designates Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) eligible for federal Universal Service Fund (USF) support, which funds broadband deployment in rural areas. For example, ETCs must meet service quality standards and commit to providing broadband at specified speeds.
Unlike telecommunications, cable TV services are not under the PUC's direct regulatory authority. South Dakota law grants municipalities the power to franchise cable operators, requiring them to provide service along public rights-of-way and pay franchise fees. Cable companies must negotiate agreements with cities for construction, operation, and maintenance of systems. The PUC may indirectly touch cable through complaints if services are bundled with regulated telecom, but core oversight—such as rates, programming, and franchises—is handled locally or by the FCC. For example, consumer contacts for cable issues might reference the PUC, but resolutions often redirect to municipal authorities.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Unlike telecommunications, cable TV services are not under the PUC's direct regulatory authority. South Dakota law grants municipalities the power to franchise cable operators, requiring them to provide service along public rights-of-way and pay franchise fees. Cable companies must negotiate agreements with cities for construction, operation, and maintenance of systems. The PUC may indirectly touch cable through complaints if services are bundled with regulated telecom, but core oversight—such as rates, programming, and franchises—is handled locally or by the FCC. For example, consumer contacts for cable issues might reference the PUC, but resolutions often redirect to municipal authorities.
Telemarketers operating in South Dakota must register annually with the PUC before soliciting residents, as required by South Dakota law. Registration involves submitting an application and paying a fee, with renewals due by July 1 each year. Registered telemarketers must access the DNC list quarterly to avoid calling listed numbers, except in exempt cases. The PUC ensures compliance by requiring telemarketers to maintain records of their adherence to DNC rules.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Telemarketers operating in South Dakota must register annually with the PUC before soliciting residents, as required by South Dakota law. Registration involves submitting an application and paying a fee, with renewals due by July 1 each year. Registered telemarketers must access the DNC list quarterly to avoid calling listed numbers, except in exempt cases. The PUC ensures compliance by requiring telemarketers to maintain records of their adherence to DNC rules.
Affordable Energy Fight costly mandates and overregulation while promoting competition to reduce prices, keeping utility costs low for families and job creators.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Affordable Energy Fight costly mandates and overregulation while promoting competition to reduce prices, keeping utility costs low for families and job creators.
To grant a permit, the PUC must find that the project complies with all laws and rules; poses no serious threat to the environment or inhabitants; does not impair health, safety, or welfare; and does not interfere with regional development. Decisions must be made within one year of application receipt. Permits can include conditions, such as remediation responsibilities for leaks or damage to property (e.g., as seen in Keystone Pipeline conditions). Violations of permit terms are misdemeanors with civil penalties.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
To grant a permit, the PUC must find that the project complies with all laws and rules; poses no serious threat to the environment or inhabitants; does not impair health, safety, or welfare; and does not interfere with regional development. Decisions must be made within one year of application receipt. Permits can include conditions, such as remediation responsibilities for leaks or damage to property (e.g., as seen in Keystone Pipeline conditions). Violations of permit terms are misdemeanors with civil penalties.
Supports opposing eminent-domain abuse and requiring infrastructure development to proceed through transparency, fair negotiation, and respect for landowner rights.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Protect Property Rights
Supports infrastructure investment and grid-strengthening measures intended to maintain reliable electricity during peak demand and extreme weather.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Strengthen Grid Reliability
Supports reducing regulatory mandates and promoting competition as ways to limit utility costs for families and businesses.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Keep Energy Affordable
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South Dakota Secretary of State
Open South Dakota Secretary of StateDon Haggar campaign
Open Don Haggar campaignLink checked September 15, 2026.
South Dakota Secretary of State
Open South Dakota Secretary of StateDon Haggar campaign
Open Don Haggar campaignDon Haggar campaign
Open Don Haggar campaignDon Haggar campaign
Open Don Haggar campaignDon Haggar campaign
Open Don Haggar campaign