Lincoln County, South Dakota

South Dakota Senate District 6

One candidate is tracked for South Dakota Senate District 6 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Ernie Otten. Candidate information follows official Lincoln County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Ernie Otten (Republican) is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for South Dakota Senate District 6; unopposed candidates still appear on South Dakota ballots, so the race is on the ballot but is not contested. Ernie Otten is the sitting member, per the Legislature's 2026 session roster. Party nominees were chosen at the June 2, 2026 primary, per the South Dakota Secretary of State's 2026 general-election candidate list.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, Ernie Otten, is on the ballot. One name is on the ballot for this seat.

South Dakota › Lincoln County › South Dakota Senate District 6

Ernie Otten

Republican Incumbent

Biography

Ernie Otten is the Republican incumbent state senator for South Dakota Senate District 6, which includes Tea and Harrisburg, running unopposed for reelection in 2026, per South Dakota Public Broadcasting. He represented the district for four terms in the Senate starting in 2013, then served two terms in the House before returning to the Senate in 2025, per South Dakota Public Broadcasting. He is retired, per the South Dakota Legislature. No campaign website was found as of September 20, 2026.

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Questions about this race

Who is running for South Dakota Senate District 6 in 2026?

When is the South Dakota Senate District 6 election in South Dakota?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for South Dakota are on the South Dakota election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Lincoln County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Lincoln County and state election office filings, last verified September 27, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official South Dakota election office, or see the full Lincoln County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Lincoln County ballot

14 tracked races in Lincoln County, South Dakota. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

South Dakota Senate District 13 South Dakota Senate District 16 South Dakota House District 6 See all 14 Lincoln County races

Candidate profiles

Ernie Otten, full profile Official South Dakota election office