HEREFORD, S.D. – April 12, 2026 – Gary Deering of Hereford announced today that the South Dakota Secretary of State’s office has received and filed his nominating petitions, officially placing him on the Republican primary ballot for a District 29 seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives.

Deering, who currently serves as the chairman of the Meade County Commission, is seeking to transition his experience in local leadership to the state level near Rapid City.

“I received signatures from all over Meade County, and as my campaign builds momentum, I am encouraged by the support I have received,” Deering said.

Deering and his wife, Jessica, raise their three sons on a family ranch established by his great-grandfather in 1911. His background is rooted deeply in the region’s agricultural sector, having previously served as president of the South Dakota Stockgrowers and the South Dakota Beef Industry Council. He noted that this history in both local government and the agricultural industry will allow him to effectively represent the residents of Meade County in the Legislature.

“It has been my pleasure to work for the citizens of Meade County the last three and a half years on the county commission,” Deering said. “I will never give up fighting for our strong values: fiscally conservative budgets, limited government, and local control.”

The primary election in South Dakota is scheduled for June 2, 2026.