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South Dakota county government fixture will retire with historic distinction

Longtime Lincoln County commissioner, Sioux Falls metro powerbroker won’t seek reelection after 28 years in office

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Joe Sneve
Apr 01, 2026
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After nearly three decades shaping one of the nation’s fastest-growing counties, an infamous South Dakota political leader is hanging up a historic public service career.

Lincoln County Commissioner Jim Schmidt told The Dakota Scout this week that he will not seek re-election, choosing instead to step away from public service when his term expires later this year.

And with it, the Lennox native who’s served on the commission for 28 years will take with him the distinction of being the longest-serving county commissioner in state history, according to publicly available historical records.

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