Former Democratic Candidate Mawhiney Drops Out of South Dakota Congressional Race

Mawhiney cites desire to prioritize family and work over fast-paced campaign schedule.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Billy Mawhiney, a former Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in South Dakota, has announced his decision to step down from the race. Mawhiney cited the demanding pace of the campaign and his desire to prioritize his family, friends, and other work as the primary reasons for his withdrawal.

Why it matters

Mawhiney's decision to exit the race leaves the Democratic nomination open, with Nikki Gronli now seeking the party's nod. On the Republican side, Attorney General Marty Jackley and State Senator Casey Crabtree are also vying for the congressional seat. Mawhiney's withdrawal highlights the challenges of running for office, especially for those seeking to balance public service with personal commitments.

The details

Over the past eight months, Mawhiney says he has traveled 14,862 miles across South Dakota, listening to people's stories in different communities. However, he reached a point where the fast pace of the campaign left him feeling a lack of balance between campaigning and his family. Mawhiney believes that while people want change, they struggle to actually implement it, and they were not looking for polished answers but rather to be seen and heard.

  • Mawhiney announced his decision to step down as a candidate for U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Billy Mawhiney

A former Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in South Dakota who has decided to withdraw from the race.

Nikki Gronli

A Democrat seeking the party's nomination for South Dakota's U.S. House of Representatives seat.

Marty Jackley

The Republican Attorney General of South Dakota who is also running for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Casey Crabtree

A Republican State Senator in South Dakota who is also seeking the U.S. House of Representatives seat.

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What they’re saying

“As much as I believe in this work I believe more in choosing my family, and my friends, and my work. And that truth has guided me with the decision to bring the campaign to a close.”

— Billy Mawhiney, Former Democratic Congressional Candidate (keloland.com)

“Somewhere in the middle of all those miles though I had a moment of clarity. About something we actually already know. People want change but we struggle to actually change. We want things to be different, but we haven't built systems that help people step into what that difference looks like.”

— Billy Mawhiney, Former Democratic Congressional Candidate (keloland.com)

“People were not asking for polished answers. They were just asking to be seen and to be heard.”

— Billy Mawhiney, Former Democratic Congressional Candidate (keloland.com)

What’s next

Nikki Gronli will now seek the Democratic nomination for South Dakota's U.S. House of Representatives seat, while Marty Jackley and Casey Crabtree will continue to compete for the Republican nomination.

The takeaway

Mawhiney's withdrawal from the congressional race highlights the personal sacrifices and challenges that come with running for public office, especially for those seeking to balance their campaign commitments with their family and other responsibilities. His decision underscores the importance of self-care and work-life balance for political candidates.