SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Minnehaha County has narrowed the selection to three candidates for the state’s attorney job.
Former State’s Attorney Aaron McGowan resigned in December.
Two of the candidates have declared as Republicans for the position in the 2020 general election. They are Daniel Haggar and Paul Bengford.
The other candidate is Crystal Johnson, who is in the position on an interim basis.
Below is a news release from the Minnehaha County Commission on the selection process.
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Sioux Falls, SD – Today the Minnehaha County Commission released the names of the final three candidates who will be interviewed for the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney appointment. The candidates, in alphabetical order, are:
- Paul Bengford, graduate of Creighton University School of Law and currently serves as an Assistant City Attorney for Sioux Falls.
- Daniel Haggar, graduate of University of South Dakota School of Law and currently serves as an Assistant City Attorney for Sioux Falls.
- Crystal Johnson, graduate of University of Kansas School of Law and currently serves as interim State’s Attorney, as appointed by Judge Houwman.
“All candidates have prosecutorial experience. We look forward to the interviews,” stated Commission Chair Jean Bender.
The Commission expects to make a final decision by the end of the month. The appointment will fill the remainder of a four-year term that is up for election in November this year.


