Key facts
- South Dakota State Senator Thomas Pischke faces two felony counts for election fraud.
- The charges involve allegedly falsifying signatures on documents for state Republican Party positions.
- Pischke has stepped down from his party duties while the case proceeds.
- An investigation found DNA evidence and surveillance footage linking Pischke to the fraudulent forms.
- Conviction could prevent Pischke from serving in the Legislature or holding party office.
South Dakota State Senator Thomas Pischke, an incumbent Republican, is facing two felony counts for allegedly submitting falsified or forged documents. The charges relate to accusations of falsifying signatures to advance candidates for state Republican Party positions without their knowledge. Pischke, who represents a district outside Sioux Falls and is seeking a third term, turned himself in to the Minnehaha County Jail and was released on his promise to appear for future court dates. An initial hearing is scheduled for July 7.
In response to the charges, Pischke has agreed to step away from his duties within the party, including his role on the executive board of the Minnehaha County Republicans, according to Jim Eschenbaum, chair of the South Dakota Republican Party. Eschenbaum expressed disappointment, acknowledging the negative optics for the party but emphasizing the need to address the situation honestly.
The investigation, which lasted several months, was prompted by the county auditor's office identifying 16 forms for precinct committee positions with suspected fraudulent signatures and discrepancies. Nominees on these forms largely stated they did not fill them out, and none ultimately appeared on the ballot for the June Republican primary. Pischke admitted to filling out his own form to run for precinct committeeman but denied completing forms for others. Evidence uncovered during the investigation included DNA matching Pischke on envelopes containing the forms and surveillance video identifying his vehicle near a mail drop box.
If convicted of a felony, Pischke could be barred from holding a position with the state Republican Party and potentially from serving in the Legislature, as state law prohibits individuals convicted of perjury, bribery, or infamous crimes from serving. Pischke is currently facing Bryan Breitling, a former Republican state lawmaker running as an independent, in the November general election. Breitling commented that the charges reflect a pattern of poor judgment by the senator.