On abortion, South Dakota Democrats following national strategy

State's minority political party hopes abortion, reproductive freedom become key issues for voters

Rep. Jamie Smith, D-Sioux Falls, speaks at an abortion rights rally Sunday in downtown Sioux Falls. Smith is the Democratic candidate for governor. (Photos by Jonathan Ellis/The Dakota Scout)

South Dakota Democrats are making abortion and reproductive rights a key campaign platform in this year’s election, party leaders broadcasted on Sunday during a rally in downtown Sioux Falls.

The strategy is one being employed by Democrats across the country following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturn of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. After the release of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision on June 24, abortion in South Dakota became illegal because of legislation passed in 2005 that criminalized abortion in the event Roe was ever overturned.

Jamie Smith, the Democratic candidate for governor, said abortion rights issues are strong ones for Democrats. Voters in South Dakota have already voiced their opinions twice at the ballot box that they want abortion to remain legal, he said, referring to elections in 2006 and 2008 when abortion bans were voted down.

“We know that looking at South Dakota and the country, the people are hungry for this right to be restored,” said Smith, who is the outgoing minority leader in the state House of Representatives.