South Dakota’s elections take shape with crowded GOP field

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota’s political races are taking shape as party candidates hit a deadline Tuesday (March 29, 2022) to submit petitions to run for office. Republicans touted a crowded primary field as a sign their control over state politics may only be increasing. Democrats said they were taking a targeted approach to competitive districts. The state Republican Party provided a list of over 150 legislative candidates and said it was the first time in decades they had recruited a candidate in nearly every legislative district. Meanwhile, Democrats appeared to field a handful fewer candidates than in 2020 — an election that saw the party hit a 60-year low for statehouse seats.