SD GOP chair says party will stay out of Primary process

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- It looks like South Dakota republicans could see primary candidates for Governor, US Senate and Congress on next June’s election ballot.

GOP Party Chairman Dan Lederman says the party stays out of those races.

Governor Kristi Noem is facing a challenge from Representative Steven Haugaard of Sioux Falls.

Lederman says despite the Governor being the nominal head of the party, the organization will stay on the sidelines.

Lederman says primaries will help the republican winners into the general election.

While Senator John Thune and Congressman Dusty Johnson have not officially announced their plans for next year, it’s expected that both will run for reelection.