America is in a race, one that will define global economic leadership for the next decade. China is aggressively

positioning

itself as a center for artificial intelligence development and deployment. The winner will capture enormous competitive advantages in innovation, job creation and geopolitical influence. But there’s a detail often overlooked in this high-stakes competition. None of it happens without reliable critical infrastructure, such as power and data centers.

Winning the AI race is fundamentally about establishing the critical infrastructure that powers innovation. AI systems rely on data centers, and data centers require electricity. If the United States intends to remain competitive, we must be able to build and power that infrastructure efficiently and affordably. That requires thoughtful policy, modernized permitting and a clear commitment to growth.

Data centers are not secondary to the tech economy. They are the foundation. The nation that builds and controls the most advanced, reliable and affordable data center infrastructure will lead in AI development and deployment.

Here in South Dakota, we have the essential components to build this critical infrastructure. Our affordable energy, vast land and strong workforce create the necessary conditions for establishing data center facilities that can compete globally. Tech employment in our state has grown

17 percent

in recent years, outpacing many parts of the country. This is a signal that South Dakota can support and sustain the specialized environment required for advanced infrastructure development.

But having these advantages is not enough. The window of opportunity is finite, and other states are mobilizing their own competitive advantages. If we want South Dakota to be where America builds the critical infrastructure that powers the AI future, we must act decisively. Supporting and enabling this infrastructure development is not a favor to industry. It is imperative for our state and our nation.

Establishing critical data center infrastructure in South Dakota delivers immediate and long-term benefits for our communities. Big Watt alone currently contributes roughly $900,000 a year in kilowatt-hour taxes directly to local schools and could eventually provide more than $160 million annually as future phases come online. Its payroll already totals several million dollars a year, with nearly all staff drawn from within the region. This kind of investment can strengthen schools, support local businesses and create lasting economic opportunity.

Additionally, construction and development of this infrastructure alone can support hundreds of electricians, contractors, engineers and skilled trades workers. These are good-paying jobs that circulate dollars through local businesses. For rural parts of our state, that kind of investment can be transformative.

At Oahe Electric Cooperative, we see how thoughtful planning and load growth can support grid upgrades while protecting affordability for the families and small businesses we serve. We also know South Dakota is already a leader in renewable energy, with 29 wind projects totaling 3,476 megawatts, along with growing solar capacity and grid storage resources. As demand for electricity grows, we are taking on new generation responsibly through an all-of-the-above energy strategy that rests on a reliable foundation of natural gas and coal, accompanied by wind and solar resources. Just as importantly, data centers should be required to pay the upfront costs associated with their onboarding so existing consumers are not left subsidizing the infrastructure needed to support large-scale new load. When planned responsibly, this approach can support grid upgrades and new generation in ways that maintain reliability and protect affordability for South Dakota’s households and small businesses.

The broader significance is strategic. By establishing critical infrastructure for the technology economy, South Dakota positions itself as essential to American competitiveness. We attract complementary investment, develop specialized workforce expertise and build advantages that strengthen our state’s position in the global economy for decades. If our policies create uncertainty or make infrastructure development

financially unworkable

, capital will flow to other states where the path is clearer and the commitment is stronger. We must transform from a state watching the technology race to a state where the race is won.

Our state must act now to establish the critical infrastructure that will power American innovation for the next decade. This is our moment to position South Dakota as essential to winning the technology race. With practical regulations and a clear commitment to supporting data center infrastructure development, we can ensure that South Dakota is where America builds the advanced infrastructure that leads the world in artificial intelligence. The technology shaping the global economy will be powered by the infrastructure we build today. South Dakota can be that foundation.

Left-wing politicos are hurling spoiler accusations in South Dakota.

But this time, it’s backers of an independent calling for the Democratic candidate’s departure from the U.S. Senate race.

Brian Bengs is a Democrat-turned-independent with statewide name recognition and a growing campaign war chest. He now lives in Hill City, but used to live in Aberdeen.

That has some progressive activists questioning whether Democrats are backing the strongest challenger to incumbent Republican Sen. Mike Rounds.

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The debate has intensified in recent weeks as Bengs continues to out-raise Democratic nominee Julian Beaudion. Public polling also suggests Bengs might be better positioned to compete against Rounds in November.

Both Bengs and Beaudion are longshots to unseat Rounds, the two-term Republican senator who also spent eight years in the governor’s mansion. But polling and fundraising disparities have fueled calls among some progressive activists for Beaudion to step aside.

“A Bengs–Rounds race could be very competitive — if only the Democratic candidate would step aside,” South Dakota Standard opinion writer Julia Natvig recently wrote in an op-ed published on the left-leaning political commentary blog South Dakota Standard, widely read by South Dakota progressives.

Natvig is a retired occupational health nurse and co-leader of Common Grounds Indivisible South Dakota.

She noted that, contrary to political tradition, an independent candidate in this race might not siphon votes from the Democrat — the dynamic could unfold in reverse.

The discussion has led some donors, activists and political operatives on the left to openly question whether Democrats should consolidate behind Bengs, who challenged Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., as a Democrat in 2022 before launching his current campaign as an independent.

Federal Election Commission filings show Beaudion reported about $3,000 cash on hand at the end of the most recent reporting period, also showing about $14,000 in outstanding debt. Bengs, meanwhile, reported raising more than $101,000 during the first quarter and approximately $721,000 for the election cycle. He had about $58,000 cash on hand.

The Bengs campaign, which notes that its candidate has been a lifelong independent sans 18 months when he ran for Senate in 2022, also points to internal polling it says shows the race tightening.

Bengs’ campaign, though, is not among those calling for Beaudion to leave the race.

“The decision to enter or exit a race is up to the individual running,” said Clara Bronikowski, press secretary for the Bengs campaign. “That decision should be made with what is best for the people of South Dakota in mind.”

Just south of the state line, Democrats in Nebraska have effectively cleared the field for an independent candidate for a better chance of defeating an incumbent GOP senator.

Democratic candidate Cindy Burbank ran in and won the Democratic primary with the stated intention of withdrawing from the general election and endorsing independent candidate Dan Osborn, whom many Democrats view as a stronger challenger to Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts. The strategy is designed to avoid splitting anti-Republican votes between a Democrat and an independent.

“Candidate Julian Beaudion should follow the Nebraska example, bow out and throw his support to Bengs to enable a competitive Senate race,” Natvig wrote.

Others on the left have voiced similar thoughts.

Beaudion

Beaudion isn’t on board and rejects the narrative that he’s the weaker candidate.

“I will not be dropping out of this race,” he said. “South Dakotans deserve a leader who listens and is an accurate reflection of who we are and serves their needs. I am the only candidate doing that work, and I am ready to lead.”

MORE: Former Aberdeen legislator crafted law that’s led to South Dakota’s first gubernatorial runoff

“I believe in allowing the process of democracy to play out,” Beaudion told The Dakota Scout. “As candidates, it’s our responsibility to go out and earn the support of voters. I have held 28 town halls across the state, visited with folks in 33 counties and three of the reservations. I am shaping my policies with the voices of South Dakotans leading the way,” the former highway patrolman added.

Rounds

For Rounds, incumbency coupled with affiliation with South Dakota’s majority political party gives him strong odds of winning a third term on Capitol Hill on Nov. 3, whether it’s a two-candidate field or three.

Rounds campaign spokesman Rob Skjonsberg said the posturing among progressives suggests both challengers’ campaigns don’t stand a chance.

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“Maybe Julian should ask (Bengs) to drop out? That’d probably make more sense,” Skjonsberg said. “I would have won every track meet in high school if everyone would have quit for me. That’s an acknowledgment of a weak candidate and candidacy.”

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – The South Dakota Board of Economic Development has approved funding for three projects focused on business growth, infrastructure improvements and investment in Rapid City, Lake County and Sioux Falls.

A $7.5 million Revolving Economic Development and Initiative Fund loan was approved for Elevate Rapid City to purchase and develop 128 acres for a new business park. State officials said the project will help meet growing demand for industrial and commercial sites while supporting industries including national defense and advanced manufacturing.

The board also approved a $500,000 Local Infrastructure Improvement Program grant for reconstruction of County Road 17 in Lake County. The road serves the Dakota Ethanol facility near Wentworth, which is expanding production by 50% and increasing commercial traffic in the area. Officials said the improvements will support the transportation of agricultural products and accommodate future growth.

In Sioux Falls, Smithfield Packaged Meats Corporation was approved for a reinvestment payment of up to nearly $30 million tied to its planned $1.29 billion meat processing and packaging facility in Foundation Park. The new facility will replace the company’s downtown Sioux Falls operation and is expected to retain more than 3,100 jobs while supporting South Dakota’s agricultural industry.

Gov. Larry Rhoden said the investments reflect the state’s commitment to planning for future economic growth. State officials said the programs are designed to encourage business expansion, infrastructure development and job creation across South Dakota.

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