Release: Bahmuller, Peterson, and Schoenfish to Seek Reelection for District 19

Bahmuller, Peterson, and Schoenfish to Seek Re-election for District 19

Alexandria, Salem, and Scotland— District 19 legislators Rep. Jessica Bahmuller, Rep. Drew Peterson, and Sen. Kyle Schoenfish jointly announced today that they are seeking reelection to the South Dakota Legislature, running on a record of conservative leadership and a continued commitment to rural communities, strong families, agriculture, and responsible government.

Jessica Bahmuller, a municipal finance officer in Alexandria, was first elected to the South Dakota House in 2022. She has focused on fiscal responsibility, local control, rural health care, support for agriculture and small business, and bringing practical small-town experience to Pierre. She and her husband, Aaron, are raising three children in Alexandria.

“Serving you has been an absolute honor. We truly have the best district and people in the state. My oldest two children are preparing for college and I want to ensure they can return to District 19. Your best interest is always my interest,” said Jessica Bahmuller.

Drew Peterson is a fifth-generation farmer and cattle producer from rural Salem, where he and his wife, Lauren, also raise their two young children. He was first elected to the State House in 2022. Since then, Peterson has prioritized our rural communities, farmers, and ranchers, and has fought for access to quality education, healthcare, public safety, and public infrastructure.

“I am grateful to raise my children in the same community that I grew up in, here in District 19. I want that same opportunity for all of our children and grandchildren—to return to our hometowns, build a life and career, and keep our rural way of life strong,” said Drew Peterson. “I will continue fighting to protect rural taxpayers, limited and local government, and our conservative pro-life and 2nd amendment values.”

Kyle Schoenfish, a Certified Public Accountant from Scotland, served in the South Dakota House from 2013 to 2019 and was appointed to the Senate in 2020 before winning reelection. He works at Schoenfish & Company, Inc., in Parkston, serves on the Board of Directors for the Institute of Lutheran Theology Seminary College in Brookings, and is a graduate of Scotland High School and Dakota Wesleyan University. He has built a reputation as a steady, knowledgeable voice on education, fiscal policy, and the needs of rural South Dakota.

“I appreciate the opportunity to continue serving the district I grew up in. I  will keep standing strong for our rural and family values, and supporting our constitutional rights,” said Kyle Schoenfish.

Together, Bahmuller, Peterson, and Schoenfish are committed to protecting District 19’s rural way of life, defending taxpayers, supporting agriculture and small business, and making sure South Dakota remains a place where families can build a future.

District 19 includes Bon Homme, Hanson, Hutchinson, McCook, and Turner counties. The 2026 South Dakota primary is on June 2, 2026.

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