Wildfire Specialist Announces Run for South Dakota Governor

A former leader of South Dakota’s state wildfire agency says he plans to run for governor next year.

Joe Lowe was director of the state Wildland Fire Suppression Division from its creation in 2001 until his retirement in 2012. He now runs an art gallery in Rapid City and leads an emergency management consulting firm.

The 68-year-old Lowe says he’ll run for governor as a Democrat. He is the first Democrat to announce a run.

Incumbent Republican Gov. Dennis Daugaard is expected to seek another term. His spokesman says Daugaard has no comment on Lowe’s candidacy.

Former state Rep. Lora Hubbel is challenging Daugaard in the Republican primary. Former University of South Dakota law professor and health care administrator Mike Myers is running as an independent.