Republican leadership in Pierre moves further right after caucus votes
Rep. Jon Hansen, Sen.-elect Chris Karr to lead chambers
The South Dakota Legislature will be led by a more conservative group of lawmakers for the next two years following leadership elections held among House and Senate members Friday night.
Dell Rapids Rep. Jon Hansen will serve as the House speaker, while Sen.-elect Chris Karr of Sioux Falls won the vote to be president pro tempore. Hansen, 39, was one of the leaders of Life Defense Fund, a group that opposed Amendment G, an amendment that would have legalized abortion, and a vocal ally of anti-carbon pipeline advocates. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2010. After taking a break from the Legislature in 2013 to attend law school, he joined the body again by winning election in 2018.
The House speakership is considered a plum of legislative offices and a coveted position that can lead to a run for governor.
