Mike Stevens Nominated Speaker as Emery Becomes Minority Leader

Rep. Mike Stevens, R-Yankton, has been nominated to serve as the speaker of the South Dakota House.

The nomination follows a period of factional struggle within the Republican Party that has reshaped the leadership structure of the state’s House. According to South Dakota Searchlight reported, the transition brings several historic milestones to the state capitol as the new leadership prepares for the upcoming legislative session.

At 73 years old, Stevens is set to become the oldest speaker in the history of the South Dakota House. While the majority party nominates the speaker, the position requires a full vote from the House membership to be finalized.

The leadership shuffle also changes the Democratic caucus. Rep. Eric Emery, D-Rosebud, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, was elected as House minority leader, making him the first tribal member to lead a minority party in the state House.

Nominated speaker of the state House says he’ll ‘expect the unexpected’ in 2027 session — South Dakota Searchlight

The incoming legislative session, scheduled to begin Jan. 12, will be defined by a high volume of inexperienced lawmakers. The 70-member House will see 30 first-time legislators take their seats.

The turnover extends to the upper chamber as well. The 35-member Senate will include five first-time legislators when the session convenes.

This influx of new members creates a unique dynamic for both Stevens and Emery. The number of freshmen members means established leadership will guide many new members through complex procedural and policy debates.

Mike stevens rick fenn graham gouldman mike stevens of perform during one off gig at indigo london

As the January session approaches, the focus shifts to how this new leadership will manage the diverse interests of a rapidly changing membership. The upcoming term will test the ability of the House to maintain stability despite the internal party shifts that led to these appointments.

The leadership transition comes as both parties face changing demographics and internal political pressures. The inclusion of both the oldest speaker in history and the first tribal minority leader suggests South Dakota is undergoing institutional change.

The next phase of leadership transitions will involve the state Senate, where new leaders are expected to be announced in a subsequent session of the South Dakota Legislature.