State House GOP leader departs campaign for re-election

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - A Republican legislative leader says he’s dropping out of his race for re-election to a third term in the state House.

Assistant Majority Leader Steve Westra said Friday that it was a “tough decision” to step away from the race.

He became an assistant leader of the GOP House majority in 2015 after earning a second term the year before.

Westra, of Sioux Falls, says he needs to focus on his family and his work. The Argus Leader first reported Westra’s decision.

Westra was running in District 13. He was first elected to serve in the House in 2012. He didn’t rule out a future bid for public office.