SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Department of Health has hired a former press secretary from President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign to serve as its communications director. The health department’s former spokesman, Derrick Haskins, has handled media relations throughout the pandemic, but resigned on Nov. 6. He will be replaced by Daniel Bucheli, who is slated to begin the role on Dec. 9.

The health department said Bucheli was hired after two rounds of interviews. He worked as a deputy press secretary for Trump’s reelection campaign from May 2019 to January of this year.