SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Two Sioux Falls city attorneys are challenging interim Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Crystal Johnson for her seat in the June 2 election.
Daniel Haggar and Paul Bengford are running for the post, which was vacated after Aaron McGowan resigned in December. McGowan had been under investigation from the state attorney general about prolonged absences from work and his conduct in the office.
A Viborg native and graduate of the University of Sioux Falls, Johson has 12 years of experience in the office, serving from 2005 to 2015 and since May 2018. She took over for McGowan on an interim basis in January.
Johnson has touted her legal qualifications during the campaign. The Minnehaha County Deputies Association, which represents employees of the Sheriff’s office, endorsed her on May 19.
Haggar is also a USF graduate; he earned his law degree at the University South Dakota. A former public defender and deputy state’s attorney in Lincoln County, he currently serves as an assistant city attorney for Sioux Falls.
Haggar says he will work to restore the office’s reputation after the McGowan investigation, including improving relationships with the state bar and community organizations. He has also pledged to be more transparent with the public.
Bengford, another city attorney for Sioux Falls, was the first candidate to announce he was running for the seat in December. He served for 10 years as a deputy state’s attorney in Minnehaha County.
Bengford has called on the other two candidates to drop out of the race, claiming the addresses they submitted to election officials aren’t their primary residences. Both also have residences in Lincoln County.
Election Day is June 2; polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
