A missing senator, a failed search and two dead data center bills: The SD Senate’s chaotic day

‘I had an eye doctor visit,’ says absent state senator after his colleagues launched a search

Sen. John Carley, R-Piedmont, participates in a Senate floor session on Feb. 25, 2026, at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre. (Photo by Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)PIERRE — Republican state Sen. John Carley of Piedmont said his unexplained absence from the entire Senate floor session during one of the busiest days of South Dakota’s annual legislative session — which led his colleagues to launch a search for him — was because of a medic…

A missing senator, a failed search and two dead data center bills: The SD Senate’s chaotic day

PIERRE — A member’s unexplained absence and an unsuccessful search for him contributed to the defeat of two bills intended to incentivize data centers Tuesday during a chaotic afternoon for South Dakota state senators. “It’s not a good look for the Senate,” said Sen. Tim Reed, R-Brookings. The absent senator was John Carley, a Republican from Piedmont and an opponent of both bills. As the fate of the data center legislation hung in the balance d…

Missing South Dakota senator resurfaces, blames eye exam for Crossover Day disappearance

Sen. John Carley (Joe Sneve / The Dakota Scout)PIERRE — The Black Hills legislator whose whereabouts stirred mystery and chaos at the South Dakota Capitol returned to his desk Wednesday.Sen. John Carley resumed his place in legislative proceedings after his unannounced absence the previous day prompted what ended up being an unsuccessful directive to Capitol police to locate and return the Piedmont Republican to the state Senate.“I had an unexpe…