Chris Karr is a Republican state senator representing District 11 in South Dakota, which covers parts of Minnehaha County including Sioux Falls. Born in Tabor, South Dakota , he is a businessman, Accredited Valuation Analyst, financial consultant, and owner of Cayn Enterprises and Karr Business Valuations and Consulting. He serves as President pro tempore of the South Dakota Senate, a role he assumed on January 14, 2025. Notable achievements include being named the Small Business Administration’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2009, a finalist for the South Dakota Governor’s Awards in Business Excellence in 2008, and receiving a Silver Telly Award and Silver Addy Award in 2007. An avid fisherman and hunter, he is active in community organizations such as the El Riad Shrine, Masonic Lodge #130, and Leadership Sioux Falls.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Economics from South Dakota State University; Master of Business Administration from the University of South Dakota. He currently serves as an adjunct instructor at both universities.
• Political Experience: Elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives for District 11 in 2016, serving four terms ; Majority Whip ; Chair of the Joint Appropriations Committee; member of the Joint Subcommittee on Lean Methodology. Elected to the South Dakota Senate for District 11 in 2024, with his current term ending January 12, 2027.