Noem seeks nominations to replace Sioux Falls-area lawmaker

By Makenzie Huber

South Dakota Searchlight

Posted 1/14/25

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem announced Monday she’s seeking nominations for a new lawmaker to represent District 6 in southeastern South Dakota, after Republican Representative-elect Herman …

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Noem seeks nominations to replace Sioux Falls-area lawmaker

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South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem announced Monday she’s seeking nominations for a new lawmaker to represent District 6 in southeastern South Dakota, after Republican Representative-elect Herman Otten, R-Tea, announced his resignation Friday, citing “personal and family reasons” in a social media post.

Noem is currently calling for public input on nominations for the position.

District 6 includes Tea, Harrisburg and other areas surrounding the southern edge of Sioux Falls. Otten served in the House and Senate for a combined total of 12 years. He also formerly served as mayor of Tea.

“I always sought to be a voice of reason when dealing with the issues at hand and serve to the best of my ability,” Otten wrote on his campaign Facebook page.

Otten was slated to serve as vice chair of the House Transportation Committee.

Noem is expected to appoint a new lawmaker during the 2025 legislative session, which begins Tuesday. Noem herself could resign sometime after Jan. 20, if the U.S. Senate confirms her as President-elect Donald Trump’s secretary of Homeland Security. Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden would become governor upon Noem’s resignation.

Noem also appointed legislators last year due to the resignations of Republican Rapid City lawmakers Sen. Jessica Castleberry and Rep. Jess Olson.