YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- Mark Mowry of Spearfish says he wants to run in the republican primary for the US Senate next year, facing incumbent Senator John Thune.

Mowry says last years election spurred him to run.

Mowry told the Argus Leader he demonstrated in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6 against President Joe Biden’s victory &  his candidacy is fueled by Thune’s unwillingness to question the validity of the presidential election.  Mowry was not part of the riots that broke out and led to protesters storming the Capitol.

Mowry says even a freshman Senator could be effective.

Mowry says he plans to get around the state to talk to republican voters.

Mowry made an appearance at the Yankton County Lincoln Day Dinner Saturday night.

While Thune is expected to run for reelection, he has not yet made an official announcement.