Former Gov. Mike Rounds hired Jason Williams as his statewide coalitions director for his Senate campaign, according to a Tuesday announcement.

Williams has worked on several South Dakota campaigns, including as Rep. Kristi Noem’s coalitions director when she defeated former Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, a Democrat, in 2010.

“Jason believes in the importance of personal relationships at the local level,” Rounds said in a release. “Very few individuals understand the effort like he does. We’re grateful to have Jason on board — he’s a tremendous asset.”

(See also in Roll Call: Search for Anti-Rounds Candidate Continues in South Dakota)

Rounds recently hired GOP veteran operative Dick Wadhams.

This is an open-seat race to replace Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson, who is retiring.

Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call rates this race as Lean Republican.

For other Shop Talk news, check out Tuesday’s column.