State Senator Julie Bartling wants to be South Dakota's next state auditor.  The Democrat from Burke has announced her candidacy for the position.

Bartling has served as Gregory County auditor for 18 years. She and her husband, Bart, run an agriculture-based business. She is in her fifth term as a state legislator and has served on numerous committees, including both the House and Senate appropriations committees.

The state auditor position is up for election next year. The incumbent is Republican Rich Sattgast, who cannot seek a third four-year term because of term limits. He is seeking the GOP nomination for state treasurer.

Steve Barnett, who is on the staff of Senator John Thune, is considering seeking the Republican nomination for auditor.