Howard Wins District 34 State Senate Seat

Republican incumbent Taffy Howard defeated Democrat Michael Calabrese in unofficial returns as Democrats gained legislative seats across South Dakota.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a silhouetted state capitol dome above a flat prairie horizon, rendered in deep red, cream, and navy. — Taffy Howard, the Republican incumbent, won South Dakota's District 34 state Senate seat over Democrat Michael Calabrese, 52% to 48%, as Democrats gained four legislative seats statewide. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Taffy Howard won the District 34 South Dakota state Senate race with 4,943 votes (52%) over Michael Calabrese, who received 4,508 votes (48%), according to unofficial results. Democrats gained four South Dakota legislative seats, raising their total from eight to 12.

Why it matters

The shift increases Democratic representation in the South Dakota Legislature, a body where Republicans have long held a dominant majority. The results also indicate how voters responded to local ballot measures and statewide races on the same day.

Howard led Calabrese by 435 votes in the District 34 race, a margin of about 4 percentage points. Democrats now hold 12 South Dakota legislative seats, up from eight, though the results remain unofficial pending certification.

The players

Taffy Howard

Taffy Howard is a Republican South Dakota state senator who won re-election in District 34.

Michael Calabrese

Michael Calabrese is a Democratic candidate who lost the District 34 South Dakota state Senate race.

The details

Howard, the incumbent Republican, ran for re-election in District 34 against Democrat Michael Calabrese. Voters in Rapid City also approved a school bond with 68 percent of the vote, while Amendment I and Amendment L were both rejected.

Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election night, with Howard watching results past midnight.
Nov. 5: Unofficial election results reported.

Political Context

Democrats also secured governorships in Georgia, Texas, Ohio and Iowa on the same night. South Dakota's gain of four legislative seats follows that broader pattern of Democratic wins in 2026.

The result gives Democrats more influence in South Dakota's Legislature, which can affect votes on bills in the next session. Residents in District 34 will have a new state senator representing their interests once results are certified.

The takeaway

Local legislative races can shift the balance of power in a state even when statewide headlines focus elsewhere. Watching certified results will show how these changes hold up after the count is finalized.