ABERDEEN, S.D.(Dakota Broadcasting)- Now that the legislative session is over House Minority Leader Jamie Smith has shifted his focus to running for Governor.  Smith is a Democrat, representing District 15 which is part of Sioux Falls.  He has served as House Minority Leader since 2019.  He is a realtor by profession and once served as a high school educator and football and wrestling coach.

Smith admits he was a little reluctant to run for governor, but says leaders need to step up.

Smith talked about a host of issues he would tackle if elected Governor.  The first issue he mentioned, beyond a shift in focus in Pierre to South Dakota first issues, was that of education in this state.

Smith could face either incumbent Governor Kristi Noem or Representative Steve Haugaard depending on who wins the Republican primary.  Smith focused some criticism of his opponents on Noem, accusing her of injecting national politics into state politics in order to divide us.