There will be a contested election for the next chairman of the South Dakota GOP.

Canton lawmaker Kevin Jensen told The Dakota Scout Tuesday evening that he will formally announce his candidacy for the position being vacated next month by long-time state Republican chairman Dan Lederman.

Jensen will face off against John Wiik, the state senator from Big Stone City who has the backing of the GOP establishment, including nearly every statewide elected official.

NEWS: John Thune endorses John Wiik in GOP chairman bid