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State Politics

Black Hills lawmaker resigns

Rep. Jess Olson marks second Rapid City-area lawmaker to step down since August

The Dakota Scout

Nov 13, 2023

© Johnny Sundby Photography, Inc./SD Legislative Research Council.

Black Hills legislator Jess Olson has resigned her seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives.

The governor’s office announced on Monday that the District 34 lawmaker submitted her resignation, citing “ongoing health issues.”

A call to Olson was not immediately returned.

The 38-year-old Republican from Rapid City was serving her third term in the state House. Her vacancy marks the second in recent months for the Black Hills area and the second open legislative seat Gov. Kristi Noem is now charged with filling.

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Former state Sen. Jessica Castleberry’s District 35 seat remains vacant after Castleberry resigned in August, the same day she settled a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office resulting from her daycare business accepting state-issued stimulus funds.

The governor’s office is asking that any nominations to fill Olson’s vacancy be submitted by Dec. 5, a month ahead of the convening of the 99th South Dakota Legislative Session.