Leadership Change for South Dakota Democrats As Ben Nesselhuf Leaves State

South Dakota Democratic Party chairman Ben Nesselhuf has resigned as Chair and Executive Director to accept a new job.

Nesselhuf will be the campaign manager for Jim Mowrer, Democrat Congressional candidate who is challenging Rep. Steve King.  King serves in Iowa's 4th congressional district, in Northwest Iowa.

Nesselhuf released the following statement:

"For almost my entire adult life, I've worked to make South Dakota a better place, whether representing the great people of Clay and Turner counties in the state legislature or working to elect more Democrats across the state. Today, I've accepted a new job closer to my wife, Angie, in Sioux City. She's been so supportive of my work here in South Dakota, but now I need to be closer to her. Thanks to so many people across South Dakota, the South Dakota Democratic Party is in strong shape to win elections up and down the ballot."

Vice-Chair Deb Knecht of Houghton, in northeastern South Dakota,  will become interim Chair. Knecht released the following statement:   "Ben has put in place a statewide network of committed volunteers and excellent staff as Chair. I'm excited to expand on his efforts to grow our  coalition among women, family farmers, and young people across South Dakota. Deputy Executive Director Zach Crago will become the interim Executive Director."

Ben Nesslehuf was passionate in his job. His energy and passion will be hard for the Democrats to replace. Ben's new position in Iowa politics assisting Jim Mowrer as he takes on Republican Political Golaith Steve King, is not a surprise to those of us who know him. Being close to his wife in Sioux City is a smart move, too.