Gov. Kristi Noem secures second term with big win over Jamie Smith

South Dakota voters overwhelming chose Gov. Kristi Noem to serve another term.

With 99% of precincts counted by 9 a.m. Wednesday, Noem had received 62% of the vote. Democratic challenger Jamie Smith had received 35% and Libertarian Tracey Quint 3%.

The Associated Press called the race shortly before 10 p.m. CT, with less than 40% of precincts fully reported. The win is historic. Noem becomes the first woman to win re-election to the highest political seat in the state, after becoming the first woman in the seat in 2018.

“Thank you South Dakota. Over the last four years we’ve built something special, and it’s because of the people here,” Noem said during an acceptance speech Tuesday night at her watch party in Sioux Falls.

Noem said that before she took the stage, she had had a phone conversation with Smith.

Throughout her campaign, Noem has used her legislative track record of protecting education and girls sports while comparing Smith with President Joe Biden, and calling them "extreme" liberals. She appealed to voters by stating the South Dakota economy remained strong because of her relaxed approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of that decision, Noem said more people have moved to the state seeking freedom from government intervention.

"We found an opportunity in a very difficult crisis,” Noem says, citing during COVID-19, the state could have followed in line with other states and shut down. But she said she followed the science and trusted personal decisions.

More:Analysis: Fight for 'spirit of South Dakota' will play out in Tuesday's gubernatorial election

Noem also pointed to the state's growing economy, population and housing.

“We have the strongest economy in America,” she said. “We’re reminding the nation we have built this state on the power of the people.”

During her speech, Noem used South Dakota as an example for the rest of the nation.

"Now Americans are looking across the country, and they're looking to South Dakota as a shining city on a hill," Noem said. "In states across the country tonight, they're electing Republican governors, because they want their state to look like South Dakota."

Looking to her second term, Noem said she wants to push for paid family leave and repealing the state sales tax on groceries. The latter policy decision led to nasty fighting between her and Smith, who also opposes the state sales tax on groceries, during the last month of the campaign.

More:What does it mean for Gov. Kristi Noem's campaign to cut the sales tax on food?

Noem also said she would work toward creating more workforce opportunities and strengthening childcare.

In the end, Noem spoke to respect, and the willingness to listen to people who may have different opinions and understand their side.

"We will continue to respect people around us, and that respect is crucial to the foundation of our American civil society," she said.

"There is no governor in this country that is more willing to listen to people and to work with our people than I am."

Smith tearfully concedes race, thanks supporters

Smith took to the stage at his watch party a few minutes past 10:30 p.m. One of his sons passed him a handkerchief before he took to the mic so Smith could wipe away tears.

"I truly hope that (Noem is) able to build a stronger, more welcoming, more prosperous South Dakota in this next term," Smith said.

Smith said he was disappointed as he discussed the results of the race. He said his campaign represented many people in South Dakota, including Native Americans, teachers and members of the LGBTQ community.

He took a moment to remind his supporters that he has tried to advance the tax cut on groceries every year he's been in the state legislature but would continue working with Noem for a better South Dakota.

"At the end, let us make this story about hope, because when we have each other we have a reason to keep going," Smith said.

Republicans sweep other statewide races

GOP candidates dominated the other statewide races, winning all of the other contests with 70% of precincts reporting.

Monae Johnson secured the victory in the secretary of state race with 65% of the vote and Tom Cool had 35%. Richard Sattgast earned 64% of the vote in the state auditor race, with Democrat Stephanie Marty at 31%. Josh Haeder received 68% support in the state treasurer race with Democrat John Cunningham at 32%. Chris Nelson won the public utilities commissioner race with 70% of the vote. Democrat Jeff Barth had 30 percent of the vote. And in the commissioner of school and public lands race, Republican Brock Greenfield (68%) beat Democrat Timothy Azure (32%).

Marty Jackey ran unopposed to earn the attorney general position he held four years ago.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Gov. Kristi Noem wins second term with 62% of vote