South Dakota's top anti-abortion lobbyist could take open Senate spot

Right to Life director among those in running for seat vacated by former Sen. Castleberry

(South Dakota Right to Life)

Gov. Kristi Noem will get to decide whether to turn one of Pierre’s most powerful lobbyists into a South Dakota legislator.

South Dakota Right to Life Executive Director Dale Bartscher has been nominated to fill the vacancy of a District 35 state Senate seat, left open following the resignation of former Sen. Jessica Castleberry earlier this month, The Dakota Scout has confirmed.

“While I am both honored and humbled that someone would place my name to nominate me to the open Senate seat, I remain laser-focused on my work with South Dakota Right to Life,” said Bartscher, who’s headed the influential anti-abortion advocacy group’s South Dakota chapter since 2019.

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