Stephanie Sauder is a Republican state senator representing District 4 in South Dakota, covering northeastern counties including Clark and Codington. Elected to the South Dakota Senate on November 5, 2024, she previously served in the South Dakota House of Representatives for the same district from 2023 to 2024 after winning in 2022. Born November 17, 1958, in Bryant, South Dakota, she is a retired teacher, former mayor of Bryant for eight years, and current editor of the Bryant Dakotan Newspaper. Her family has deep roots in public service and agriculture: daughter of former state senator Milt Lakness and commissioner Benita Lakness, married to Jerry Sauder who runs an agricultural operation, and both sons serve in South Dakota law enforcement. Notably, she babysat for future Governor Kristi Noem as a teenager.

Education and Political Experience

• Education and Career: Taught for over 30 years in the Hamlin School District before retiring; family maintained an agricultural operation alongside her teaching.
• Political Experience:
  • Mayor of Bryant, South Dakota .
  • South Dakota House of Representatives, District 4 ; served on House Agriculture and Natural Resources, Education, Military and Veterans Affairs, and One Hundredth Session Planning Committees.
  • South Dakota Senate, District 4 ; announced re-election intentions.
• Notable Positions: Active in agriculture, education, and veterans' affairs committees, reflecting her background.