2012 Begalka was challenged in the June 5, 2012, Republican Primary by Representative Speaker of the House Valentine Rausch, but won with 1,106 votes (66.83%).[3] Begalka won the November 6, 2012, General election with 6,603 votes (60.97%) against Democratic Representative Steve Street.[4]
2000 When House District 4 incumbent Republican Representatives Larry Diedrich and Robert Weber both ran for South Dakota Senate, Begalka ran in the three-way 2000 Republican Primary and placed second with 971 votes (32.39%) ahead of third by 8 votes;[5] in the four-way November 7, 2000, General election Democratic nominee James R. Peterson took the first seat and Begalka took the second seat with 4,322 votes (26.72%) ahead of fellow Republican nominee Valentine Rausch and Democratic nominee Ron Foster;[6]
2002 Begalka and Craig Haugaard, who had placed third in the 2000 Republican Primary, were unopposed for the June 4, 2002, Republican Primary;[7] in the five-way November 5, 2002, General election Begalka took the first seat with 5,651 votes (32.69%) and incumbent Democratic Representative Peterson took the second seat ahead of Republican nominee Haugaard, Democratic nominee Dawn Jaeger, and Independent candidate Larry Rudebusch.[8]
2010 When Senate District 4 incumbent Democratic Senator Peterson left the Legislature and left the seat open, Begalka won the June 8, 2010, Republican Primary with 1,387 votes (61.78%)[9] and won the November 2, 2010, General election with 5,346 votes (61%) against Democratic nominee Dick Schwandt.[10]