SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has won the Republican primary for another term, defeating a former legislative leader who accused her of using the office to mount a 2024 White House bid.
The first-term governor’s primary win Tuesday against former South Dakota House Speaker Steve Haugaard gives her a commanding advantage in November.
She’ll face Democratic state Rep. Jamie Smith, who did not face a primary challenger.
Noem has used this election fundraising cycle to collect a record amount of money for a South Dakota gubernatorial candidate — bringing in more than $15 million from a series of fundraisers all over the country.
Republican Sen. John Thune also easily won his primary campaign on Tuesday.
