Lauren Nelson won the race for State Senate, District 18 in the November 3, 2026 election, with 4,484 votes (57.6%), according to unofficial results from South Dakota Secretary of State.
Kay Swihart received 3,294 votes (42.4%). The margin was 1,190 votes, or 15.2 percentage points.
The election office reported 671 of 671 precincts reporting. In all, 7,778 votes were counted in this race. Lauren Nelson is the incumbent.
Full results
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lauren Nelson (won) | Republican | 4,484 | 57.6% |
| Kay Swihart | Democratic | 3,294 | 42.4% |
What the job involves
Members of the state legislature write and vote on state laws and the state budget, including school funding and the rules cities and counties work under.
What Lauren Nelson said during the campaign
- Life and family: Her campaign site lists standing for “Life and Family” among her important issues. (Lauren Nelson for Senate)
- Public safety: Her campaign site lists ensuring safe communities as an important issue. (Lauren Nelson for Senate)
What happens next
These results are unofficial. They become final when election officials certify them at the canvass, and totals can still change a little as remaining mailed and provisional ballots are counted.
Every race in Sioux Falls is on our election results page. More about Lauren Nelson is on their candidate page.
