Rep. Wangsness seeks second term

Incumbent District 23 Representative James D. Wangsness is seeking re-elections.

Wangsness was appointed to the house seat by Governor Noem last October when John Lake was appointed to the Senate. Spencer Gosch was the second District 23 Representative.

"I was born in Huron and grew up southwest of Miller on the family ranch dating back the late 1800's," Wangsness said. "With my wife Melanie and son Ben, we are the fourth and fifth generation to work on the ranch."

Wangsness graduated from Miller High School in 1989 and has a bachelor's degree in farm management and economics from South Dakota State University.

"Prior to my appointment, I was serving my second term as Hand County Commissioner," he said. "As commissioner, my top priorities were economic growth and infrastructure maintenance. By reducing regulations, promoting animal agriculture and local processing we can reduce basis on commodities. This helps build our local economies and support our schools and hospitals. I continued those efforts in Pierre during the last legislative session."

Wangsness said during the last session, "I was able to work with the governor's office on SB157 that streamlined the zoning process. We are facing challenging economic times. The passage of this bill will present opportunities for local producers to diversify or expand their operations without the encumbrance of red tape and fear of litigation."

District 23 consists of Campbell, Edmunds, Faulk, Hand, McPherson, Potter, Spink, and Walworth counties.