Republican legislative candidates from Pennington County made quick pitches to party voters Tuesday night during a crowded forum at the Rapid City Best Western Ramkota, where each candidate was limited to two minutes to speak.
All five Senate districts in the Rapid City area and four of five House districts face Republican primaries, with two Senate races — Districts 30 and 35 — potentially decided in the June 2 primary because only Republicans are running. Other races will be settled in November, with Democrats fielding candidates in several districts.
The races are notable for their complexity after the 2021 redistricting and for the number of rematches: four of the five Senate primaries reprise 2024 contests. Candidates discussed familiar themes including property taxes, government spending, public safety, education and infrastructure, particularly water access.
About 21 of 26 Republican candidates from central and western Pennington County participated. Several incumbents and challengers highlighted their records, conservative credentials and criticisms of state government spending. Winners of most contested primaries will face either Democratic or independent candidates in the general election this fall.
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