Republican · South Dakota at large · 2026
Marty Jackley
When Marty Jackley became South Dakota's attorney general, his father, a Sturgis lawyer, administered the oath.
Biography
When Marty Jackley first became South Dakota's attorney general in 2009, his father administered the oath.1 Mike Jackley had practiced law in Sturgis and served as Meade County state's attorney, setting an example his son followed.1 Jackley has two children and enjoys hunting, fishing and family time at his farm near Vale and ranch near Pierre.1
Raised in Sturgis, he earned an electrical engineering degree at the South Dakota School of Mines before studying law at the University of South Dakota.2 He clerked for federal Judge Richard Battey, then joined a Rapid City law firm, handling criminal, civil and business matters.2
Jackley served as United States attorney from 2006 through 2009, then as state attorney general until 2019, returning to that office in 2023.3 He personally argued South Dakota's position in the 2018 Wayfair case before the Supreme Court.4 The decision expanded states' ability to require online sellers to collect sales taxes.5
He faces Democrat Nikki Gronli for the House seat Dusty Johnson left open by running in the Republican primary for governor.36 Jackley's platform supports finishing the border wall, cutting taxes, backing police and prosecutors, and reducing federal regulation affecting farms and ranches.7 He also emphasizes gun rights and his support for President Trump's agenda.7
Record and controversies
Workplace verdict during his AG tenure
In December 2017, a federal jury awarded a former state Division of Criminal Investigation agent $1.2 million for retaliation and gender discrimination after she reported harassment.8 The published pretrial order names the division director in his official capacity and another agent as defendants.9 She said she had not sued Jackley personally but believed he was partly to blame for a delayed settlement payment.10 Jackley said he played no part in the settlement and characterized the criticism as a political attack.10 His office said the governor's risk management office and insurer handled the settlement and that payment met the final agreement's deadline.10 In May 2018, Dakota News Now reported that she had received the $1.5 million settlement payment.10