South Dakota Republican leaders argue about economic development in front of reporters

By: Seth Tupper

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: February 5, 2026

Words: 1,160

Last Updated: 3 weeks ago

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PIERRE — The divide in South Dakota’s Republican Party over the government’s role in economic development spilled into public view Thursday at the state Capitol as two of the party’s top leaders argued in front of reporters.

The back-and-forth happened during the Republican legislative leadership team’s weekly press conference. Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff, R-Pierre, was answering a question about proposals for a moratorium on construction or expansion of large data centers.

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