South Dakota state senator retires from legislature

South Dakota state lawmaker Stace Nelson says he is retiring from politics, citing personal reasons as well as "corruption" and "dysfunction" in the state government.

Nelson's retirement will be effective December 10, according to a post on his official

.

In the post, Nelson said health issues and the desire to spend more time with his family were factors in his decision, though a majority of the post focused on his frustrations with state government.

Nelson said of all the years he has served, "this by far was by far the most frustrating." Among the specific topics he cited were the state's response to flooding, state spending, and the hurried nature of by which he believes the legislature passed this year's state budget.

He was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2010 and served the 25th district for two years before running for the 19th district as a representative.

He then assumed office in 2017 as a senator for the 19th district.

Nelson recommends Pastor Michael Boyle of Parkston to the governor as his replacement.