Michael Calabrese
Michael Calabrese The Democratic primary for this office on June 2, 2026, was canceled. com.
Campaign site
“My name is Michael Calabrese. My wife Jennifer and I own Black Hills Vinyl downtown, and I work a tech job here in town. Rapid City has been home for more than a decade, and everything I care about in this race comes from that.”
(Candidate Campaign Website) “I'm running for state senate because the people and families who live in District 34 deserve a legislator who works on what matters most to them.”
(Candidate Campaign Website)Taffy Howard
Taffy Howard Taffy Howard served as an officer in the United States Air Force. She earned a high school diploma from Lincoln High School and a bachelor's degree in mathematics from South Dakota State University in 1989. Her career experience includes working as a business owner. Howard was assigned to the following committees: Serves in the South Dakota State Senate representing District 34. Occupation: Small Business Owner.
Campaign site
“I am a conservative Republican who believes in limited government. Pres. Reagan once said, "Man is not free, unless government is limited" and there is much, much truth to that. I am a Christian, a wife, a mom, a grandma, an Airborne-qualified Air Force veteran, and a small business owner. I served for six years in the SD State House from 2016-2022 and helped pass Constitutional Carry and the Women in Sports bills among many others. In 2022, I ran for Congress, garnering 41% of the vote in the Republican primary. I love our state and our way of life and I am dedicated to preserving that for future generations.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “I represent you, the hardworking taxpayers of this district, not any special interest group. One major concern with voters across the district is the rapid increase in property taxes that is literally driving people out of their homes. We have the ability to do something, we simply need more legislators willing to put the people first.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “The principles of limited government enshrined in our constitution, first our federal constitution and then our state, are top priority. Elected officials are there to safeguard the rights and liberties of our citizens first and foremost, not to ensure everyone is "healthy, wealthy, and wise." We need to allow our citizens the freedom to flourish but also to fail. I believe in equality, not equity. I believe elected officials must be honest and have integrity in all they do. They should always be transparent. We may not always agree, but I will always listen and be respectful and I ask the same of others.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)