Barnett Announces Candidacy For Circuit Court Seat

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Barnett Announces Candidacy For Circuit Court Seat

Doug Barnett announces his candidacy today for the position of Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge. 

For nearly 20 years, Barnett has protected and served the residents of South Dakota as an Assistant Attorney General. In that role, he tirelessly sought the truth and pursuit of justice while making South Dakota a safer place to raise a family. Barnett has prosecuted hundreds of felony level cases throughout South Dakota including drug distribution, thefts, assaults, and over 15 homicides (one involving a double defendant capital murder case).

With the pending retirement of Circuit Judge Bradley Zell, Barnett seeks to continue his service to the people of Minnehaha and Lincoln counties. Barnett looks forward to continuing the strong legacy of Judge Zell, who served in that position for nearly 20 years.

“I believe that my experience and my commitment to public service, including my sense of fairness and justice for all involved in the court system, will serve me well in the role of Circuit Court judge,” Barnett said.

Barnett is a fourth generation Minnehaha County resident. He, his wife and their two children live in Sioux Falls. He is active as a volunteer at The Banquet, as a Scout leader, and enjoys outdoor activities including hunting and fishing with his family. He has served on a number of committees including the law school committee for the State Bar of South Dakota and at his childrens’ schools.

10 thoughts on “Barnett Announces Candidacy For Circuit Court Seat”

  2. Extremely qualified, great guy who has served his community and state well over the years. He cares deeply about South Dakota values and would make an excellent judge.

  3. I don’t understand. Circuit court judges aren’t elected in South Dakota – they’re appointed by the Governor. They then seek RETENTION via election periodically. So this “announcement” is merely an attempt to signal to the Governor that he wants to be considered? Has some laws on appointment or retention changed recently?

      1. Interesting. Article 5, Section 7 of the South Dakota Constitution says a vacancy of a circuit court judge is appointed by the Governor. So the ONLY time a non-sitting judge could be elected to the bench by vote if is a judge retires at the end of his or her current eight-year term. I bet this happens very rarely. I wonder how many times this has happened in the last 50 years in the state.

        1. No vacancy.

          Zell is not resigning on purpose so Noem can’t appoint.

          Zell is serving out his term therefore there is an election.

    2. If a judge retires before the end of his or her term the governor appoints a replacement. Judge Zell is stepping down at the end of his term so it is an open seat.

  4. There was an incumbent circuit court judge who lost reelection to a challenger 8 years ago in the Third Circuit.

  5. I have watched my cousin Doug Barnett as a prosecutor and family man, for several decades. He is a solid hand. He would make an excellent judge….honest, hard working, fair. Wish I could vote for him up here in Pierre!

    And if you are thinking I am biased, I agree….the bias of an eyewitness. “Cuz” is a good man.

    Mark Barnett
    Attorney General, 1991-2003
    Circuit Judge, 2007-2019

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