Republican state Rep. Jeff Haverly, R-Rapid City, defeated former legislator Alice McCoy on Tuesday in the District 35 Republican Senate primary, which was one of several area Senate primary match-ups.

In November's general election, Haverly will face Rapid City resident Theresa Spry, who defeated local business owner Shane Liebig on the Democratic side of the District 35 race. Liebig decided not to pursue the nomination but remained on the ballot because his name was not withdrawn in time.

District 35 includes Rapid Valley, most of North Rapid, Rapid City's business district, a portion of Box Elder, and Rapid City south to Spring Creek Road, east of S.D. Highway 79.

Other area primaries included the District 34 Republican race, in which former Rapid City Police Chief Craig Tieszen beat retired businessman Dennis Popp. District 34 includes much of west and northwest Rapid City and a small part of North Rapid.

Tieszen will face Democrat Gary Hargens of Rapid City in the general election.

In the Northern Hills, Lead Mayor Tom Nelson defeated Rep. Tom Hills, R-Spearfish, and former legislator John Teupel of Spearfish in the District 31 Republican primary. District 31 encompasses Lawrence County. Nelson will face Democrat Nyla Griffith of Deadwood in November.

Meanwhile, state Rep. Jim Bradford, D-Pine Ridge, beat incumbent Sen. Theresa Two Bulls, D-Pine Ridge, in the District 27 Democratic primary. District 27 includes Haakon, Jackson, Bennett and Shannon counties. Bradford will face Craig L. Hanrahan of Phillip in the November election.

In the District 29 Republican Senate primary race, state Rep. Larry Rhoden, R-Union Center, defeated Meade County rancher Nick Trask. Rhoden will face Democrat Dennis Levin of Hereford in the general election. District 29 includes much of Meade County and part of Butte County.

Contact Ryan Woodard at 394-8412 or ryan.woodard@rapidcityjournal.com