Republicans Win Local House Races; Hanten Wins Auditor’s Race

November 4, 2026

WATERTOWN, S.D. (KWAT)–Republicans picked up legislative seats in races in House Districts 4 and 5 Tuesday.
Ryan Kohl and Fred Deutsch were the winners in District 4, while incumbent Rep. Matt Roby and Bryon Callies were elected to two year terms in the Legislature in District 5.

Brenda Hanten was re-elected Codington County auditor defeating challenger Debbie Melville by fewer than 500 votes.

Codington County voters turned back a tax increase that would have been used to buy down property taxes, and Milbank voters easily defeated a tax hike for a city-owned and operated daycare.