Mark Willadsen to run for District 9 State Senate seat.
Mark Willadsen announced his candidacy today for the South Dakota State Senate representing District 9. Willadsen, a Republican, is a retired insurance agent, and has a long history of civic service in the Sioux Falls community, including 15 years in the State House of Representatives.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to continue to serve the people of Minnehaha County in the South Dakota Senate” Willadsen noted.
Over the years, Willadsen has been a leading voice in Pierre for legislation to improve the lives of South Dakotans. One of the signature pieces of legislation he authored in recent years (HB 1091, 2016) was to change South Dakota insurance laws so ride share services such as UBER and LYFT could come and operate in our state. “This was a great example of business, insurers, regulators, and South Dakotans coming together to keep pace with the changing times and to open up more opportunities in a changing economy.” Willadsen was also instrumental in passing legislation to expand the Dakota State University Applied Research Lab enabling South Dakota students to be at the forefront of this expanding industry, with good paying jobs right here in our state. (SB 130, 2022). Willadsen said “My Legislative career has been about opening doors and fixing laws that don’t make sense. I’m a big proponent in opening our state up for business, and making sure we keep pace with tomorrow’s economy.”
Willadsen is a graduate of Leadership Sioux Falls, past president of the Sioux Falls Morning Optimist Club, Crime Stoppers of the Sioux Empire, and the Sioux Falls Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He is a past Chairman of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Tax Council.
Willadsen and his wife Suzanne of 47 years have 3 grown children and 12 grandchildren, all living in the Sioux Falls area.
I remember this guy “campaigning” against Hoffman. If I remember right, Hoffman steamrolled this guy on votes last election? That’s because Mark didn’t campaign and do the hard-work. The people I talked to Hartford never received got a door knock. Probably just a bunch of flyers paid by some PAC. Would love to see someone run against this guy.. I’m sure he means well, but I think he is lazy and doesn’t have the gas to run a strong campaign to get the votes.
Isn’t Hoffman running for re-election, which would mean another primary with the same result?
Isn’t Hoffman running again? He won 2-1 last time!
I served 6 years in the House with Mark Willadsen, 2 yrs sat right behind him on House floor. My experience is Mark is a true statesmen that has the somewhat unique ability to disagree on an issue but still go out to dinner with you. He’s cool under pressure and is totally dedicated to task at hand. I wish him the best in his Senate bid‼️🇺🇸
Tim Goodwin Former House Majority Whip D30
Hoffman isn’t running. I suspect he’s preparing for a run for Congress, which would be a tough climb, but he’s a hard campaigner. There are rumors here of other people running, but this seat will probably go to Willadsen.