RAPID CITY, S.D. – The South Dakota Republican Party concluded its annual state convention in Rapid City this weekend, finalizing the party’s slate of constitutional officer candidates for the upcoming November general election.

State Representative Tim Goodwin, R-District 30, detailed the results of the three-day convention held from June 25-27, which saw several incumbent upsets and decisive victories among GOP delegates.

In the race for Secretary of State, Rapid City’s Heather Baxter unseated incumbent Monae Johnson, securing the nomination with 50.34 percent of the vote to Johnson’s 40.09 percent. Baxter previously served in the State House representing District 34. Goodwin, who sat next to Baxter on the House floor, noted their close working relationship during past legislative sessions.

The Attorney General nomination went to Lance Russell of Hot Springs, who secured 57.14 percent of the vote on the second ballot. Russell defeated competitors Austin Hoffman, who received 31.08 percent, and John Fitzgerald, who received 11.78 percent. Goodwin noted deep ties to all three candidates, including serving alongside Fitzgerald’s wife, Mary, in the House, and previously working with Hoffman’s father, Charlie.

For Public Utilities Commissioner, Don Haggar of Sioux Falls won the nomination with 54.9 percent of the vote over Peri Pourier, who received 44.94 percent. Pourier, an eight-year Navy veteran, previously served six years in the House and was a member of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, which Goodwin chairs. Pourier recently switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican.

Mellissa Hull of Pierre won the nomination for State Treasurer, capturing 81.25 percent of the vote against Heath Shields of Custer, who received 18.75 percent. Goodwin delivered the nomination speech for Shields, citing a philosophy from the late Governor William Janklow that successful private-sector individuals who take a pay cut should be prioritized for cabinet and constitutional roles.

In the State Auditor race, Catherine Barranco of Sioux Falls secured 52.9 percent of the vote to win the nomination. Renae Randall finished with 25.14 percent, and Tamara Grove received 20.8 percent. Barranco entered the race after her husband, who was originally running for the position, received an aggressive cancer diagnosis. Goodwin delivered the seconding speech for Barranco alongside Representative Jorgensen. Following her win, Barranco announced plans to relocate her family to Pierre.

Incumbent Commissioner of School and Public Lands Brock Greenfield secured his spot on the ballot for a second term, defeating a last-minute challenge from James Bialota. Greenfield won 81.32 percent of the delegate votes to Bialota’s 18.24 percent.

All selected nominees will officially appear on the general election ballot on November 3, 2026.