South Dakota Republican Lawmaker Faces Felony Election Fraud Charges
window 24h
IN SHORT
South Dakota State Senator Thomas Pischke faces felony election fraud charges for allegedly submitting falsified signatures to advance candidates for state Republican Party positions. He has stepped down from his party duties. Meanwhile, the mayoral race in Sioux Falls is headed for a recount due to a two-vote difference between Republican Christine Erickson and Democrat Jamie Smith, with Erickson currently leading after provisional ballots were tallied.
✉Newsletter
PiQ Daily
Pick your topics. Get only what matters, on your cadence.
Key Numbers
2felony counts against Thomas Pischke
2vote difference in Sioux Falls mayoral race
Who's Involved
Thomas Pischke
South Dakota State Senator facing felony election fraud charges
Christine Erickson
Republican candidate leading in Sioux Falls mayoral race
Jamie Smith
Democrat candidate in Sioux Falls mayoral race
Sioux Falls
City in South Dakota holding a mayoral election
South Dakota Republican Party
State political party involved in election fraud allegations
Key facts
South Dakota State Senator Thomas Pischke faces felony election fraud charges.
Pischke is accused of submitting falsified signatures for state Republican Party candidates.
Pischke has stepped down from his party duties.
The mayoral election in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will undergo a recount.
A two-vote difference separates the mayoral candidates.
Republican Christine Erickson leads Democrat Jamie Smith in the Sioux Falls mayoral race.
Officials confirmed the final tally after reviewing provisional ballots.
South Dakota State Senator Thomas Pischke is facing two felony counts related to election fraud. The charges stem from allegations that Pischke submitted falsified signatures to support candidates seeking positions within the state Republican Party. In response to the charges, Pischke has stepped down from his duties within the party while the legal proceedings are ongoing.
Separately, the mayoral election in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is set for a recount. The decision follows an exceptionally narrow margin of victory, with only two votes separating the leading candidates. Republican Christine Erickson holds a lead over Democrat Jamie Smith. Election officials have confirmed the final tally after a review of provisional ballots, which has led to the official call for a recount.
↳ Why This Matters
South Dakota State Senator Thomas Pischke is facing two felony counts related to election fraud. The charges stem from allegations that Pischke submitted falsified signatures to support candidates seeking positions within the state Republican Party. In response to the charges, Pischke has stepped down from his duties within the party while the legal proceedings are ongoing.
Frequently asked questions
Senator Pischke faces two felony counts of knowingly submitting a falsified or forged document.
He is accused of falsifying signatures on documents to advance candidates for state Republican Party positions without their knowledge.
A felony conviction could prevent Pischke from serving in the South Dakota Legislature and holding positions within the state Republican Party.
Investigators found DNA matching Pischke on envelopes and used surveillance video to identify his vehicle near a mail drop box.
What Happens Next
01Pischke's initial court hearing is set for July 7.
02Pischke faces Bryan Breitling in the November general election.
Get the newsletter.
Pick the topics you actually care about. We'll email when there's news worth your time, on the cadence you choose. Cancel any time from your account.