Missing Vote by Sen. John Carley Sinks Data Center Incentive Bill in South Dakota

Attendance tactics draw scrutiny in Pierre as close Senate margins raise questions about tie-breaking powers

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A key vote on data center incentives failed in the South Dakota Senate this week after Republican Sen. John Carley was absent during the floor session, leading to a 16-17 defeat of the bill. The incident has renewed debate over lawmakers missing votes amid close margins and the possibility of tie-breaking action by Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen.

Why it matters

The failed vote highlights the importance of full attendance in the narrowly divided South Dakota Senate, where a single absence can tip the scales on major legislation. It also raises questions about the role of the lieutenant governor in breaking tie votes, an issue that has been shaped by a recent state Supreme Court ruling.

The details

Senate Bill 239, a proposal backed by Sen. Casey Crabtree, R-Madison, dealt with incentives related to large projects such as data centers. The bill received 17 votes in favor and 16 against in an earlier vote but fell short of the 18 votes required for passage. When it came up again on reconsideration Tuesday, the vote failed 16-17 after senators delayed proceedings while attempting to locate the absent Carley.

  • The Senate vote on SB 239 took place on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • Sen. John Carley missed the Tuesday afternoon floor session due to an 'unexpected health issue' related to an eye doctor visit.

The players

Sen. John Carley

A Republican state senator from Piedmont, South Dakota, who missed the key vote on data center incentives due to a health issue.

Sen. Casey Crabtree

A Republican state senator from Madison, South Dakota, who sponsored the data center incentive bill that failed to pass.

Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen

The lieutenant governor of South Dakota, whose potential role in breaking tie votes has been a subject of debate following a recent state Supreme Court ruling.

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What they’re saying

“I had an unexpected health issue and had to go to the eye doctor. I'm sorry I missed the vote.”

— Sen. John Carley (Searchlight)

What’s next

The South Dakota Legislature is expected to continue debating the data center incentive legislation and the role of the lieutenant governor in tie-breaking votes.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the narrow margins in the South Dakota Senate and the importance of full attendance, as a single absence can determine the fate of major bills. It also reignites the debate over the lieutenant governor's tie-breaking powers, an issue that has been shaped by a recent state Supreme Court ruling.