Retired circuit court judge Tim Bjorkman of Salem is set to announce his candidacy for U.S. House on Thursday.

Bjorkman, a Democrat, didn't emphasize his party affiliation in an emailed statement, which said he would run an "aggressive issue-focused campaign" with an emphasis on access to health care, reducing the economic divide and tax fairness.

"I've just become convinced now more than ever that we need an advocate for rural South Dakota," Bjorkman told Argus Leader Media. "What we're seeing from the current administration and Congress is essentially a war on rural America."

The Democrat served as a judge in the first circuit court from 2007 to 2017. He retired from his post last month.

Bjorkman will face Republicans Shantel Krebs and Dusty Johnson along with Democrat Chris Martian in the contest for the state's lone U.S. House seat set to be vacated in 2018 by Rep. Kristi Noem.

"It's a good time to speak truth and to speak reality, and that's something that I've seen up close and personal for a long time," Bjorkman said.

Democratic Party leaders were quick to celebrate Bjorkman's announcement Monday morning on social media and in glowing statements about the 60 year old.

"Judge Bjorkman has a distinguished record as a circuit court judge and will be a strong fighter for South Dakota families in Washington," said South Dakota Democratic Party Executive Director Sam Parkinson.

Bjorkman is set to formally announce his candidacy Thursday at the Canistota Veterans Memorial at 6 p.m.

Follow Dana Ferguson on Twitter @bydanaferguson, call 605-370-2493 or email dferguson@argusleader.com