In its pre-general campaign finance report, the Libertarian Party of South Dakota reports raising no money from May 13 through October 14 and spending none of the $1,608.54 it has in the bank. The LP’s pre-primary report shows South Dakota’s only third party raised $60 sometime between January 1 and May 12 but spending nothing. The LP hasn’t spent any money since 2024, when it paid $100 for a convention fee, $61.30 for buttons, and $8 in bank fees.
The only Libertarian candidate for statewide office, Tamara Lesnar from Grenville, reports raising $90 for her campaign for Secretary of State, lending herself $331.58, and spending $274.18—$95.58 on printing and $178.60 reimbursing someone at the IRS rate of 76 cents per mile for traveling (apparently) 235 miles, which is maybe a trip from Grenville to the State Fair in Huron and back.
The only other Libertarian appearing on any general election ballot in South Dakota this year, District 11 House candidate Tracey Quint, appears not to have even filed a statement of organization for a campaign committee, let alone any information about actual campaign financial activity. Under SDCL 12-27-3, Quint’s statement of organization should have been submitted by May 19, 15 days after her nomination was filed with the Secretary of State.
To paraphrase Citizens United, money talks. According to campaign finance reports, South Dakota’s Libertarian Party isn’t talking much… certainly not enough to be considered a serious political entity.