Neal Tapio Announces Candidacy for South Dakota House of Representatives
- Steve Jurrens
- May 8
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Former State Senator Neal Tapio announced Monday that he is running for the South Dakota House of Representatives, seeking to represent his hometown of Watertown.
Tapio made the announcement in a public statement on social media, outlining the themes he plans to focus on during his campaign and reflecting on his previous service in the Legislature.
Tapio previously served as a State Senator beginning in 2016. In his announcement, he said one of his regrets from that campaign was not connecting more broadly with voters outside the Republican Party. He pledged to expand outreach this year, saying he intends to knock on “three times as many doors” and speak with residents across political backgrounds.
Business Background and Local Economic Activity
Tapio highlighted his recognition as Watertown’s Businessman of the Year in 2021, an award he said was tied to bringing more than 30 new jobs and additional economic activity to the community. He stated that economic growth, entrepreneurship, and transparent government would be central themes of his campaign.
Issues Tapio Says He Will Prioritize
In his announcement, Tapio outlined several areas he intends to address if elected:
· Housing and Neighborhood Conditions Tapio criticized rising home prices and said he wants to focus on “real home ownership.” He proposed efforts to address neglected rental properties and suggested volunteer partnerships between retired residents and young families to rehabilitate older homes.
· Government Transparency Tapio called for increased openness in local and state government, referencing concerns about “secret deals” and stalled developments.
· Legal and Judicial Reform He expressed concerns about litigation practices in the state and said he wants to strengthen requirements for truthfulness in legal filings.
· Property Taxes and Land Ownership Tapio said property taxes remain a concern for residents and criticized out‑of‑state entities purchasing land or attempting to use eminent domain.
· Consumer Debt Education He called for more financial education for students, particularly regarding credit card debt and interest rates.
· Healthcare Costs and Trust in Medical Systems Tapio raised concerns about the cost of medical care in South Dakota and referenced tensions between legislators and health systems during the COVID‑19 period.
Looking Ahead
Tapio said he plans to meet with residents across Watertown in the coming weeks to discuss issues facing the district.
There are two seats open with incumbent Republican Matt Roby and Republican Byron Callies as no-contest winners in the primary on June 2, 2026, but this has created competition in the general election between the three candidates. The general election voting day is November 3, 2026.
Northeast Radio SD will continue to follow candidate announcements and provide factual updates throughout the 2026 election cycle. Voters can confirm official election information through the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office.
