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. 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.
