| Stephanie Sauder | |
| State House: | South Dakota |
| District: | 4th |
| Term Start: | January 10, 2023 |
| Alongside: | Fred Deutsch |
| Predecessor: | John Mills |
| Party: | Republican |
| Residence: | Bryant, South Dakota |
| Alma Mater: | Dakota State University |
Stephanie Sauder is an American politician currently serving in the South Dakota House of Representatives.[1] First elected in 2022, she has represented South Dakota's 4th legislative district as a Republican since 2023.[2] Before serving as representative, she was elected mayor of Bryant, South Dakota.[3] Sauder was a teacher at Hamlin School for over 30 years, during that time her family maintained an active agricultural operation.[4] On November 5, 2024, she was elected as the state senator for District 4. [5]
Sauder previously served for eight years as the mayor of Bryant, South Dakota.[6] Sauder is a retired teacher, having worked in the Hamlin School District for over 30 years.[7] After retiring from education, Sauder purchased the Bryant Dakotan Newspaper becoming editor.[8] [9] Sauder is the daughter of former state senator Milt Lakness and former Hamlin County commissioner Benita Lakness. [10] [11] [12] Her husband Jerry maintains an active agricultural operation in South Dakota.[13] Both of Sauder's sons serve in law enforcement in South Dakota. [14] During her teenage years, Sauder worked as a babysitter of future South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. [15]
Sauder's community involvement includes serving on the ITC Board of Directors, Bryant Cinema Board of Director, New Hope Lutheran Church organist, Bryan American Legion Auxiliary member, Parkview Assisted Living Auxiliary member, Mothers of Peace Officers member, South Dakota Federation of Republican Women member, Codington County Republican women member, and National Rifle Association member. [16]
Sauder is the State Committeewomen of the Hamlin County Republican Party.[17]
| Year | Incumbents | Party | First elected | Result | General election | Primary elections | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Fred Deutsch | Republican | 2019 | Incumbent re-elected. | |||
| John Mills | Republican | 2017 | Incumbent retired. Republican hold. |