Whitney Raver running as a Democrat for U.S. House

Whitney Raver of Custer is running as a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in 2020.

Raver, 32, confirmed to the Argus Leader on Monday that she's seeking to unseat U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, but she doesn't plan to formally announce her candidacy until next month. She filed the paperwork on Aug. 16 to create a campaign committee and has a candidate website posted.

She said "unity" sets her campaign apart from other candidates seeking election to South Dakota's sole seat in the U.S. House. 

"We're focused on the things we all have in common, particularly family, and trying to bring people back together to focus on the things that really matter," she said.

Raver lost in her bid to represent District 30 in the South Dakota House last year, running on a platform focused on education, responsible economic development, responsible stewardship of the land and access to health care.

More:Dell Rapids financial crime specialist announces run for South Dakota's U.S. House seat

Johnson hasn't yet announced whether he's running for reelection in 2020. Brian Wirth, a Dell Rapids financial crime specialist, announced he'll also be seeking to unseat Johnson as a Democratic candidate. Sioux Falls resident Ellee Spawn created a campaign committee in December to run as a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House, but she notified the Federal Elections Commission last week that she suspended her campaign on Feb. 10. Johnson may also see a Republican challenge from former state Sen. Neal Tapio of Watertown.

More:Why U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson might see a primary challenger in 2020