SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Longtime Sioux Falls attorney Paul Bengford has declared his candidacy for Minnehaha County State’s Attorney.
Bengford, a Republican, has 27 years of legal experience, including 10 in the state’s attorney’s office.
“I’ve been looking forward to this for several months,” Bengford said. “I’m looking forward to going out and meeting people and explaining to them what my qualifications are, what my experience is, and why I think I’m the right person at the right time for this job.”
The position is currently filled on an interim basis after the resignation of Aaron McGowan earlier this month. The Minnehaha County Commission has the right to appoint a new state’s attorney, but the post is up for election in 2020.
McGowan resigned shortly after a state attorney general’s investigation into long absences from his post and his conduct on the job. Bengford said the office resembled “a rudderless ship” under McGowan, and that he would provide “the right leadership” as McGowan’s replacement.
“They’re outstanding people that work there,” Bengford said.
Bengford said he’s been a part of 88 jury trials in his career, in addition to experience with civil law. He will run in the Republican primary in June.
