In a clear shift toward pro‑growth governance, the South Dakota Senate and House Republican caucuses selected new leadership on Nov. 6 and Nov. 8, respectively. The changes signal a move away from the more populist wing that dominated the previous term.

Senate leadership

State Sen. Casey Crabtree of Madison, who served as majority leader in 2023‑2024, will resume that role. Rep. Amber Hulse of Hot Springs was chosen as assistant majority leader for her second term, and former Brookings mayor Tim Reed was nominated as Senate president pro tempore.

House leadership

House Republicans named Sioux Falls Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt as the first woman to serve as House majority leader. Drew Peterson of Salem will act as assistant majority leader. Attorney Mike Stevens of Yankton was nominated for speaker, with Amber Arlint of Sioux Falls slated as speaker pro tempore, pending confirmation at the start of the session.

Populist faction sidelined

The rise of a moderate, business‑oriented caucus comes after a heated debate over proposed carbon‑dioxide pipeline projects revived the party’s populist faction. Anti‑pipeline legislators such as Rep. Jon Hansen (R‑Dell Rapids) and Sen. Chris Karr (R‑Sioux Falls) secured positions as House speaker and Senate president pro tempore in the previous cycle, but will not retain leadership this term.

Democratic gains

Democrats added several seats in the House, bringing their total to ten. Rep. Eric Emery of Rosebud will return as minority leader, becoming the third tribal member in state history to lead a legislative caucus. Rep. Kadyn Wittman of Sioux Falls was elected assistant minority leader, while Nicole Uhre‑Balk of Rapid City and newcomer Sonja Mentzer of Sioux Falls will serve as minority whips.

Uhre‑Balk noted that a unified Democratic bloc could wield significant influence, especially on budget bills that require a two‑thirds vote under the state constitution.

Senate minority outlook

In the upper chamber, Democrats are reduced to two members: Sen. Liz Larson and Sen. Erik Muckey, both from Sioux Falls. With limited numbers, Larson acknowledged the need for bipartisan cooperation to advance any progressive legislation.

Governor’s impact

Following Gov. Larry Rhoden’s re‑election on Nov. 3, Republican lawmakers expect fewer intraparty battles and more opportunities for cross‑aisle collaboration. Rep. Mike Derby (R‑Rapid City) praised the governor’s steady leadership, saying it should foster a productive legislative session.

Whip appointments

The House GOP appointed five majority whips—Nick Fosness, Mellissa Heermann, Brian Mulder, Matt Roby and Mike Weisgram—while the Senate selected four whips: Helene Duhamel (Rapid City), Randy Deibert (Spearfish), Jim Mehlhaff (Pierre) and Stephanie Sauder (Bryant).

Looking ahead

With a new, moderate Republican leadership team and a modest Democratic presence, the 2027 session is poised to focus on business‑friendly policies, infrastructure development, and bipartisan budget negotiations. The shift reflects a broader trend in South Dakota politics toward pragmatic governance that balances growth with responsible stewardship.

Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.