A former USDA official announced her candidacy Monday for South Dakota’s lone U.S. House seat, potentially setting up the first Democratic primary for the seat since 2012. The seat is open in 2026 as Rep. Dusty Johnson runs for governor.
Nikki Gronli, a former vice chair of the South Dakota Democratic Party and state director for USDA Rural Development under President Biden, will officially launch her campaign Wednesday in Sioux Falls. She joins nonprofit executive Billy Mawhiney in the Democratic field. If both remain in the race, it will mark a rare primary for the party, which had no House candidates in 2020 or 2022.
On the Republican side, Attorney General Marty Jackley and State Sen. Casey Crabtree have filed to run, along with small business owner James Bialota. Democrat Scott Schlagel has also filed paperwork.
Gronli cited concerns over economic challenges, health care access, and the impact of President Trump’s tariff policies on farmers as reasons for entering the race. “We need folks who have the courage to stand up for South Dakota families,” she said.
She previously toured the state hosting town halls and emphasized her commitment to amplifying local voices in Washington.
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