Jamie Smith making another run for South Dakota Capitol
Former House Minority Leader challenged Gov. Noem in 2022; Nesiba, Duba leaving Legislature after 2024 session
The former lawmaker who challenged Gov. Kristi Noem in her 2022 reelection bid wants back in the South Dakota Legislature.
Former House Minority Leader Jamie Smith intends to run for the South Dakota Senate next year in District 15, which he represented for three terms in the South Dakota House of Representatives before a hiatus spurred by his nomination as the Democratic candidate in last year’s gubernatorial election.
NEWS: South Dakota lawmakers divided on conflict-of-interest standards
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve South Dakota, both in the House and as a candidate for Governor,” Smith told The Dakota Scout ahead of a formal announcement at the Downtown Sioux Falls Library Monday afternoon. “I will continue advocating for all South Dakotans and work together with my colleagues to create real solutions for real problems.”
The 52-year-old teacher-turned-realtor has stayed active within the South Dakota Democratic Party since falling short in his challenge against the governor during the last election cycle when Noem cruised to reelection. His decision to run for the Legislature again comes amid much uncertainty for District 15, a Democratic stranglehold in the last decade.
The Senate seat Smith is seeking is now held by fellow Democrat Reynold Nesiba, who is unable to seek re-election due to term limits.
Nesiba is opting not to make a run at the state House. Additionally, District 15 Rep. Linda Duba, also a Democrat, won’t seek reelection either.
Instead, Minnehaha County Democratic Party Chairman Erik Muckey and incumbent Rep. Kadyn Wittman will run alongside Smith on the Democratic ticket in 2024.
While District 15 has in recent history been represented by the state’s minority party, the last round of redistricting lessened the Democratic Party’s dominance there, and the current trio of Democratic officeholders from the district won their elections by narrower margins than what had been typical before 2020.
Duba said Monday that recent additions to her family — grandchildren — coupled with Muckey’s desire to serve District 15 give her confidence that she’s making the right choice in not remaining in public office beyond 2024. Meanwhile, Nesiba said the pair will not let their final year in the Legislature go to waste.
“We are not leaving quietly,” he said.
Great news for all of us. South Dakota needs Jamie Smith’s common sense back in the Legislature.