Jack Billion, 2006 Democratic nominee for governor dies

The Sioux Falls doctor ran in abortion-charged 2006 campaign; similarities to 2022 race

Dr. Jack Billion, left, campaigned for Rep. Jamie Smith’s gubernatorial campaign in 2022. Billion was the Democratic nominee in 2006. (Jonathan Ellis/The Dakota Scout)

Despite taking a drubbing in the 2006 race for governor, Dr. Jack Billion continued to nurture the flame for what he hoped would be an eventual Democratic revival in South Dakota.

Always the loyal Democratic Party soldier, Billion allowed his Sioux Falls home to be an encampment for Brian Bengs, who challenged Sen. John Thune last year. And he campaigned for Rep. Jamie Smith, whose situation he knew well. Smith challenged incumbent Republican Gov. Kristi Noem; Billion had challenged incumbent Republican Gov. Mike Rounds.

Though separated by 16 years, the results were the same: Billon lost 62 percent to 36 percent; Smith lost 62 percent to 35 percent.

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