Four Sioux Falls-area legislative flips reported; results unofficial

Sioux Falls Simplified reported Nov. 4 that Democrats flipped four state legislative seats in the Sioux Falls area in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The South Dakota Secretary of State’s 6:15 a.m. Central update on Nov. 5 still labeled results unofficial and listed Senate Districts 11 and 12 and House Districts 9 and 11 as possible recount races.

In Senate District 11, Chris Karr led Aaron Matson 4,210 to 4,175, a 35-vote margin. In District 12, Kari Shanard-Koenders led Joe Zweifel 4,011 to 3,877, a 134-vote margin—99 votes wider than District 11’s. The four-district listing does not establish that a recount has been requested.

A separate statewide update at 12:20 a.m. Central on Nov. 5 showed all 671 precincts reported, 310,298 ballots cast and 49.37% turnout. Full precinct reporting is not certification: the official canvass and certification are next steps, while whether candidates seek recounts remains unresolved.