South Dakota Democrats announce slate of candidates to try to hold three legislative seats in Sioux Falls

There are just 11 Democrats in the South Dakota Legislature. The party wants to add to that next year, but first it needs to hold on to what it has.

That’s why the South Dakota Democratic Party made a big deal about announcing its team of candidates for District 15 at the downtown Sioux Falls library Monday morning.

It unveiled the three people who will run in 2024, as two legislative veterans step aside. (Seen above, from left, they are District 15 legislators and candidates, including state Sen. Reynold Nesiba, former House Minority Leader Jamie Smith, state Rep. Kadyn Wittman, Erik Muckey and state Rep. Linda Duba pose for a group photo Monday morning in Sioux Falls. Photo courtesy SDDP)

The big name was Jamie Smith, who served three terms in the House of Representatives before running for governor in 2022. Smith took on Gov. Kristi Noem after no other Democratic candidate came forward, and it was an uphill climb the whole way. Noem won 62% to 35%, with the Libertarian candidate getting 3%.

“It is an honor to announce my candidacy to serve District 15 in the South Dakota Senate. District 15 is a special place, and my experience and commitment mean I am well-equipped to represent the needs of the good people of our district in the state Senate,” Smith said in prepared remarks.

“Public service is a team effort, and I am grateful to my wife, Kjerstin, and my sons, Johnathan and Isaac, for their support as I seek to return to the South Dakota Legislature. I couldn’t do this without them,” he said. “Thank you to Rep. (Linda) Duba and Sen. (Reynold) Nesiba for their years of dedicated service to our state, and I look forward to working with Kadyn and Erik to represent the needs of District 15.”

Smith is ready for a comeback, and he seeks to replace a longtime colleague in Nesiba. The Senate minority leader is term-limited after eight years and cannot seek a fifth term. Nesiba was not interested in running for a House seat.

“I am thrilled that former Rep. Jamie Smith is running to represent District 15 in the South Dakota Senate,” he said. “He understands the process, knows the people, and listens to his constituents. Jamie comes from a great family with a deep commitment to northern Sioux Falls. He has my enthusiastic support.”

Duba will also leave Pierre. She is in her third term and could run again, but has been battling health issues and decided to bow out.

“I’ve been honored to serve the good people of District 15 for five years. However, I’ve had some recent life changes and will step away from the Legislature at the end of my term,” Duba said. “We have an outstanding slate of candidates ready to serve District 15 in 2025. I also wish to thank Sen. Nesiba for his service.”

On X, she said this marks the end of her political career. Instead, Duba said she looks forward to the “new title of grandma!”

District 15 will see one incumbent on the ballot, as state Rep. Kadyn Wittman announced she will seek a second term. She replaced Smith in the House this year.

“As I reflect on the incredible honor of serving the residents of District 15, Sioux Falls, I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for reelection in the upcoming year,” Wittman said. “My commitment to our community remains steadfast, and I am eager to continue the work we've started together. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to the passionate and dedicated slate of candidates stepping forward for the 2024 election in District 15 and across our state. Democracy thrives when individuals bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the table, and I look forward to engaging in a spirited and respectful campaign.”

The new face is Erik Muckey, who will run for the seat now held by Duba. Muckey runs Lost&Found, a nonprofit organization that works to help young people deal with suicidal thoughts. It’s a rough road he knows all too well, but he also learned valuable lessons he wants to share with others.

Muckey has never sought political office before, but he is the chair of the Minnehaha County Democratic Party and was a leading voice in efforts to remove Chair Jennifer Slaight-Hansen from office this summer. He is very much part of the core group of Sioux Falls Democrats who control the party.

“With the support of my family, friends, colleagues, and mentors, I am excited to announce my candidacy for the South Dakota House of Representatives, serving District 15,” Muckey said. “It has been a tremendous honor to learn from outgoing District 15 leaders, Rep. Linda Duba and Sen. Reynold Nesiba, and I thank them for their commitment, leadership, and accomplishments in the South Dakota Legislature. Our state is stronger because of their service.

“I look forward to joining Rep. Kadyn Wittman and former House Minority Leader Jamie Smith on the ballot in November 2024. Together, we can continue to provide District 15 with effective, respected representation in the South Dakota Legislature.”

The South Dakota Democratic Party has been in the ditch for a decade. It hasn’t elected a governor in half a century, hasn’t won a statewide election since 2008 and has struggled to register voters. There are now 147,824 voters who list themselves as independents or not belonging to a party, compared to 146,135 Democrats. Republicans continue to dominate with 299,853.

The SDDP must begin to cut into that deficit. It also needs to recruit candidates and raise money in order to be competitive and have a much-needed impact on the state.

SDDP Chair Shane Merrill vows to help lead the party back. He told me it will be a difficult task, but they see reasons for hope. Right now, they have four senators and seven representatives, with their support based in Sioux Falls and in districts with large Native American populations.

Merrill wants to reach out to rural voters, among others, and convince them to vote for a Democrat, something many have rarely or never done.

Holding those three seats in Sioux Falls is a must. Then, they need to win more races and try to have a louder voice in Pierre in 2025-26.

Tom Lawrence has written for several newspapers and websites in South Dakota and other states and contributed to The New York Times, NPR, The  Telegraph, The Daily Beast and other media outlets.