Newly elected South Dakota House of Representatives Republican leadership (from left): Mike Stevens, Amber Arlint, Taylor Rehfeldt and Drew Peterson.
A longtime Yankton lawmaker who has spent years in the orbit of the South Dakota House speaker's office will finally get his turn with the gavel.
Rep. Mike Stevens, a bow-tie-wearing attorney known for his pragmatic approach to conservative politics, has been elected by his colleagues to serve as the next speaker of the House.
Earning the spot Monday morning in Pierre as Republicans selected a new leadership team ahead of the 2027 legislative session, Stevens previously served as speaker pro tempore under former Speaker Hugh Bartels of Watertown from 2023 to 2024. He succeeds outgoing Speaker Jon Hansen of Dell Rapids.
Stevens has served two stints in the House, including six years from 2013 to 2018, before returning to the Legislature.
