MADISON, S.D. – State Sen. Casey Crabtree announced Monday he is running for South Dakota’s at-large seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, promising to be a “conservative fighter” for former President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Crabtree, a Republican from Madison and the Senate majority leader, said his campaign will focus on issues including border security, agriculture, tax relief and election integrity.
“President Trump promised to make America great again by securing the border, fighting crime, delivering fair trade agreements, and making the economy stronger. I am the only conservative Republican in this race who has delivered on an America- first, South Dakota Always agenda. In Congress, I’m going to work with President Trump for South Dakota families and our farmers.” Crabtree said in his announcement.
Crabtree was appointed to the Senate in 2020 by then-Gov. Kristi Noem. He later rose to leadership roles, serving as majority whip and majority leader. He said his record in Pierre shows he can deliver conservative results on issues important to South Dakotans.
Among his highlighted accomplishments:
- Helping pass what he called the state’s largest tax cut in 2023.
- Leading a 2025 legislative push to ban sanctuary cities in South Dakota.
- Sponsoring a 2024 bill toughening sentencing for fentanyl distribution.
- Supporting farmers and ranchers, earning the 2024 South Dakota Corn Growers’ Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award.
- Introducing legislation to ban outside election funding and ballot drop boxes following the 2020 election.
- Creating a state housing infrastructure loan and grant program in 2023, which he said has supported thousands of new housing units.
Crabtree, who works as an economic development director for Heartland Energy, lives in Madison with his wife, Ashley, and their two sons.
The Republican primary election is June 2, 2026, with the general election set for Nov. 3, 2026.