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Committee on 2022 Judicial Elections Appointed

January 10, 2022

Press Release, Supreme Court

Unified Judicial System
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-5070

For Immediate Release: January 10, 2022
Contact: Greg Sattizahn 773-3474
Pierre

Committee on 2022 Judicial Elections Appointed

The South Dakota Constitution requires South Dakota circuit court judges be elected in a nonpartisan election for an eight-year term of office.  In the November 2022 general election, all current serving circuit court judges in South Dakota, along with any open position(s), will stand for election.

Chief Justice Steven Jensen announced today the appointment of the Special Committee on Judicial Election Campaign Intervention for the 2022 judicial elections. The Special Committee consists of nine members appointed by the Chief Justice, which is comprised of retired justices, judges, lawyers, and citizens.  

The Special Committee includes the following members:

  • Retired Chief Justice David Gilbertson, Chair
  • Former Governor Dennis Daugaard
  • Retired Judge Kathleen Trandahl
  • J. Crisman Palmer
  • Richard Casey
  • Mark Roby
  • Former Senator Bernie Hunhoff 
  • Former Representative Spencer Hawley
  • Former Representative Jacqueline Sly 

The Special Committee plays an important role in making certain that South Dakota’s judicial elections run smoothly and within the ethical bounds required of judicial candidates. To that end, the Special Committee is responsible for issuing advisory opinions related to campaign conduct and to deal expeditiously with alleged violations of campaign rules for individuals seeking judicial office.

In appointing the Special Committee, Chief Justice Jensen stated, “Maintaining impartiality and upholding ethical behavior for judicial candidates is crucial to administering justice. The members of the Special Committee are entrusted with ensuring that every candidate running for judicial office acts in accordance with the Code of Judicial Conduct and is in compliance with judicial election standards.  I am very appreciative of the willingness of these well-respected leaders from across the South Dakota to serve on this Committee.”