Democrat Jamie Smith enters race for South Dakota governor (Audio)

February 1, 2022

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota state lawmaker Rep. Jamie Smith, who currently leads the House Democratic caucus, is running for governor.

Smith’s announcement comes after a monthslong search by Democrats for a candidate to mount a challenge to Republican Gov. Kristi Noem.

The governor also faces a Republican primary challenge from South Dakota Rep. Steve Haugaard.

At a morning news conference in Pierre, Smith said good government starts at the top….

Smith is a Sioux Falls real estate agent. He acknowledges that he faces an “uphill climb” against Noem, who has already raised $11.8 million and carved out a nationwide profile among Republicans.

But he plans to make a broad appeal to “Democrats, independents and Republicans” in his campaign.