PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- A primary is likely in the District 24 Senate race.  Former Pierre City Commissioner Jim Mehlhaff filed committee papers Tuesday says and family and God played a big part in his decision to run.

The Republican will be retiring from a state job at the Department of Labor and Regulation this spring and says he wants to cut down on what he calls the “outsourcing” of state jobs from Pierre.

Mehlhaff says District 24 needs a conservative voice that he can provide.

Mehlhaff says his first goal is getting voters familiar with him.

Mehlhaff served 12 years on the Pierre City Commission where he worked to improve Pierre’s electrical system and to establish the Central South Dakota Communications Center with the state Department of Public Safety.  Mehlhaff has also served the community working with Oahe Habitat for Humanity, Pierre Players, Rotary and St. Joseph’s School.  Mehlhaff will likely face Senator Mary Duvall in a primary election June 7^th.