Full Breakdown
South Dakota Senator Tom Pischke Charged with Election Fraud
6/24/2026, 6:25:59 AM
Election Fraud Charges Against Sen. Tom Pischke
State Senator Thomas “Tom” Pischke, a Republican from Dell Rapids, was charged on June 22, 2026 with two felony counts of offering a false or forged instrument for filing after allegedly submitting fraudulent precinct-committee candidacy forms to the Minnehaha County Auditor’s office; he turned himself in on June 23 and was released on personal recognizance.
Election Forms and Party Context
Investigators say nine envelopes containing 16 precinct-committee forms were filed before the June 2 primary; if accepted, they would have qualified the signatories for delegate status at the June 23 state Republican convention, where delegates select statewide nominees, affecting Minnehaha County’s delegate vote.
Key Figures
Key actors include Sen. Tom Pischke; GOP Chair Jim Eschenbaum; Minnehaha County Auditor Leah Anderson; the Sheriff’s Office; the South Dakota Forensic Lab; Democratic candidate Terrence Davis; and attorney Ryan Kolbeck.
Evidence and Legal Details
Handwriting analysis linked the forms to Pischke, and address mismatches with voter records were noted. Surveillance captured a vehicle depositing the envelopes; its description matched Pischke’s car. Forensic testing found three DNA profiles on the envelopes, one matching his DNA. Each count is a Class 6 felony, punishable by up to two years in prison and $4,000 in fines.
Official Reactions
GOP Chair Jim Eschenbaum expressed disappointment but emphasized the presumption of innocence and Pischke’s withdrawal from convention duties. Democratic candidate Terrence Davis called the allegations deeply troubling and warned they erode public trust. Defense attorney Ryan Kolbeck declined further comment, confirming Pischke’s cooperation.
Opposition
Davis’s remarks highlight concerns that fabricated filings could undermine delegate selection integrity. No Republican officials have publicly challenged the investigation, and the party’s removal of Pischke from delegate duties underscores the seriousness of the charges.
Conflicts & Gaps
Pischke maintains he only filed paperwork for himself and denies signing other forms. No court date is set, and the full forensic DNA report remains unreleased, leaving key evidence unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Tom has been one of our most conservative voters. Just a stellar conservative vote record.” — Jim Eschenbaum
- “I'm still gonna apply 'innocent until proven guilty,' because that's what our justice system is based on.” — Jim Eschenbaum
- “Attempts to compromise the integrity of official election documents damage public trust in the institutions that protect our democratic process,” — Terrence Davis, Democratic candidate for Secretary of State
- “Sen. Pischke has been cooperating with authorities, but we will not be offering any comment at this time,” — Ryan Kolbeck, defense attorney
Next Steps
The case is pending; no hearing date is set. The state convention will proceed without Minnehaha County’s delegate vote, and Pischke has stepped away from party leadership until the matter is resolved.
