Democrat · South Dakota at large · 2026
Nikki Gronli
Gronli and her husband, a cabinet maker, enjoy backpacking trips that take them well away from phone service, including hikes in the Grand Canyon.
Biography
Nikki Gronli and her husband like to disappear into the outdoors for a few days, backpacking in places such as the Grand Canyon.1 He is a cabinetmaker, and they have four grown children and four grandchildren.1 She also enjoys ice fishing.1
Gronli grew up in Aurora, South Dakota, earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Minnesota and began working in advertising and marketing in Minneapolis.2 She returned to South Dakota in 2001, later working on marketing and educational events for SDN Communications.2 She now leads the marketing company Flatlander Strategies.3
From 2022 through 2025, she led USDA Rural Development in South Dakota, overseeing investments in rural housing, broadband, infrastructure and community facilities.4 Her community roles have included Dakota State University's Cybersecurity Industry Advisory Board and the Minnehaha County Housing and Redevelopment Commission, and she is a former vice chair of the state Democratic Party.43
Gronli faces Republican Attorney General Marty Jackley for the House seat Dusty Johnson left open by running in the Republican primary for governor.31 Her agenda includes workforce training, affordable housing, broadband investment and support for smaller businesses, farms and ranches.5 She also supports restoring enhanced health insurance premium assistance and increasing Medicaid funding for people who need help living at home.5