Once again, on November 8, 2022, South Dakotans will have the opportunity to choose who will be the next U.S. Senator representing the state. The election is expected to fill the Senate seat currently held by Tim Scott, a Republican who’s also up for reelection. The main challenger for this office is Democrat Krystle Matthews.

Matthews is a serving member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 117th District. She formally declared her candidacy for the Class III Senate seat in April 2021, winning the Democratic primaries on June 28, 2022. Given the opportunity to serve as the state’s senator, she plans to work to pass bills like the American Dream and Promise Act and the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Acts. She’s also promised to push bills that codify reproductive freedom, and support Enhanced protection from domestic violence and stalking. In addition to this, Krystle plans to enact various environmental justice, weapons, and Credit Score reforms as well.

Scott is a politician and businessman with several years of experience in South Dakota’s political scene. He’s served on the Charleston County Council and the South Carolina House of Representatives. Since he was appointed to the U.S. Senate by Governor Nikki Haley in 2013, he has made his mark as one of the most influential individuals in the state. Scott is very vocal about issues like economic development and believes that tax shouldn’t go up for middle and lower-income families. He’s also an ardent opponent of the Affordable Care Act and firmly supports reforms to Medicare.

Now, the big question is, who would make a better representative to the Senate from South Dakota, Democrat Krystle Matthews or Republican Tim Scott?