Allison Renville enters South Dakota governor’s race as Independent candidate

November 14, 2025

Allison Renville announced in mid-October that she will run as an Independent candidate for South Dakota governor in the 2026 election, according to ICT. Renville, Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota, Hunkpapa Lakota, Omaha and Haudenosaunee, said she compiled enough signatures to appear on the ballot by Oct. 28. She grew up in Sisseton on the Lake Traverse Reservation and lives in Sioux Falls.

Renville said her political involvement began during protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline nearly 10 years ago. She later campaigned for Sen. Bernie Sanders in 2016, created the Dakotas for America Political Action Committee in 2017 and organized locally in Sioux Falls, including a run for city council. Renville said her decision to run as an Independent reflects a desire to move past party politics. The South Dakota gubernatorial election is set for Nov. 3, 2026.

1.ICT.

1.ICT.

We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Founder and Editor in Chief

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government decision-making for everyone who cares about transparency about Native issues. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise. Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact.