South Dakota

South Dakota entered the Union on November 2, 1889 as the 40th state. South Dakota entered the Union as part of the division of Dakota Territory, and its civic life has long been shaped by prairie agriculture, tribal nations, Black Hills history, and rural representation. Today its state government is centered in Pierre and follows the common pattern of a governor and a bicameral legislature with a Senate and House of Representatives.

GovernorLarry Rhoden (Republican)
Date entered UnionNovember 2, 1889

Government & Representation

South Dakota is governed by an elected governor and a bicameral legislature composed of a Senate and a House of Representatives. Pierre anchors a statewide system where the legislature plays a major role in budget policy, agriculture, rural services, and constitutional change.

Executive branchExecutive branch

Governor
Larry Rhoden (Republican)
Official office

The South Dakota executive branch consists of the governor, lieutenant governor, and the state agencies. In South Dakota, the governor can be elected for two consecutive four-year terms with no term limits.

Legislative branchLegislative branch

Legislature
South Dakota Legislature
Chambers
Senate and House of Representatives
Structure
Bicameral
Official site

South Dakota has a bicameral legislature, named the South Dakota State Legislature, which consists of the South Dakota House of Representatives and the South Dakota Senate. The House has 70 members representing 35 districts, with members serving a two-year term. The Senate has 35 members representing 35 districts, each serving a two-year term. Members of the South Dakota State Legislature may not serve more than four terms in either chamber.

Judicial branchJudicial branch

In South Dakota, the judiciary has three general levels. The Magistrate Courts are the lowest level courts, which focus on cases involving specific subject matter, such as traffic violations, small claims, and misdemeanor offenses. The South Dakota Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction. The South Dakota Supreme Court is the highest court in the state.

Officials Representing South Dakota at the Federal Level

This section brings together the state’s U.S. senators and House delegation in one place for a cleaner statewide overview.

U.S. Senators

Senator John Thune

South Dakota

Republican Party

John has served in Congress since 2005.

Senator Mike Rounds

South Dakota

Republican Party

Mike has served in Congress since 2015.

U.S. House delegation

Representative Dusty Johnson

South Dakota

Republican Party

Dusty has served in Congress since 2019.