PIERRE, S.D.(DakotaNewsNow) – South Dakota gubernatorial candidate Jamie Smith has tabbed State Rep. Jennifer Keintz (D-Eden) to run as his Lieutenant Governor in the November election.

Keintz, 48, has served one term in the South Dakota State House, after being elected in 2020.

Through her two years in the state legislature, Keintz has served on the House Education committee and Health and Human Services committee.

“Jennifer’s family roots are in agriculture,” Smith said in a statement. “She and her husband Corey both come from families who have farmed for generations… As Lieutenant Governor, Jennifer’s expertise will be vital as we advocate for the preservation and growth of rural South Dakota.”

A native of northeastern South Dakota, Keintz graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in journalism and a Masters in Communications. She is currently a real estate broker.

“I came to know Jamie as colleagues in the legislature, and have always been impressed with his common sense leadership and vision for the future of South Dakota,” Keintz said in a statement. “I am excited to be a part of the team that puts South Dakotans first. It’s time to bring the focus back to the needs of all South Dakotans, and we are ready to deliver for them on day one.”

Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden’s reaction to the decision:

“Jennifer Keintz and Jamie Smith want to bring Joe Biden’s America to South Dakota,” said Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden. “Their liberal policies would crush South Dakota families, farmers, and businesses.”

Jennifer Keintz is the most liberal legislator in the South Dakota state legislature, according to the American Conservative Union. By the same metric, Jamie Smith is one of the 10 most liberal legislators in South Dakota.

“Jamie Smith is following the Joe Biden playbook – including picking his ‘Kamala’ as a running mate,” said Ian Fury, Communications Director for Kristi for Governor.

Smith said that rhetoric is typical of an administration that’s been hyper-focused on national politics rather than prioritizing South Dakota.

“I’m Jamie Smith. I’m not Joe Biden,” he said. “And Jennifer Keintz is an amazing leader in our state, and I’m excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for the state of South Dakota.”