District 18 race at a glance
South Dakota House District 18’s 2026 general election is a contested race featuring Republican incumbents Mike Stevens and Julie Auch. The election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
The matchup differs from a race between candidates of opposing parties. Stevens and Auch both carry the Republican label, and both enter the election as current officeholders rather than as first-time challengers. That means neither party affiliation nor incumbent status distinguishes one candidate from the other.
No policy positions are documented for either candidate. The race therefore begins without an established disagreement between Stevens and Auch on a specific issue. Candidate statements, public appearances and campaign communications may give voters more information about how each would approach another term.
Because the race is designated as contested, voters should pay close attention to the official ballot instructions. Those instructions will explain how many selections a voter may make in the District 18 House contest.
Mike Stevens
Mike Stevens is running as a Republican and is an incumbent in South Dakota House District 18. His candidacy gives voters the option to assess a current officeholder on his record, priorities and plans for the next term.
No documented policy positions identify Stevens’ stance on a specific issue in this race. Voters looking to compare him with Auch can watch for direct statements about district concerns, proposed legislation and how he would use another term in the House.
Campaign fundraising, spending and cash-on-hand totals are not listed for Stevens. Future campaign finance filings may show how his campaign is raising and using money as the election approaches.
Julie Auch
Julie Auch is running as a Republican and is an incumbent in South Dakota House District 18. Her candidacy gives voters the option to assess a current officeholder on her record, priorities and plans for the next term.
No documented policy positions identify Auch’s stance on a specific issue in this race. Voters looking to compare her with Stevens can watch for direct statements about district concerns, proposed legislation and how she would use another term in the House.
Campaign fundraising, spending and cash-on-hand totals are not listed for Auch. Future campaign finance filings may show how her campaign is raising and using money as the election approaches.
What makes the race contested
The District 18 contest places two candidates with the same party affiliation and the same incumbent status in the general election. The central comparison is therefore between the two officeholders themselves, rather than between party labels or between an incumbent and a challenger.
Several parts of that comparison can develop before Election Day. Candidate issue statements can establish whether Stevens and Auch differ on legislation or district priorities. Campaign finance filings can show how each campaign is organized financially. Official ballot information can clarify the voting instructions for the House contest.
The general election is Nov. 3, 2026. Until then, voters can follow candidate communications and election notices for details that help distinguish the two campaigns.
