(In a message on Facebook today, State Representative Will Mortenson expressed his thanks to his constituents and his colleagues and announced that he will not run for another term of office. )
It has been a wild ride.
I am not running for re-election to the House this year. I do not believe the legislature is meant to be a forever job, and the time is right to step aside.
I have given this job my all, and it has truly been a wild ride: COVID, Impeachment, Surpluses, Leadership, Tax Cuts, Pipelines, Prisons, and a Governor Transition. Through it all, I tried to uphold the values and ethics I campaigned on: respect, common sense, diligence, and policy goals that were consistently restrained and truly conservative. I said I’d prioritize agriculture & education, and I did. I told you I’d support families and protect the unborn, and I have. I pledged I would fight against onerous mandates and silly regulations, and I have absolutely worn myself out doing so.
I’m thankful for Shuree, who has been my north star. She always listened (even if she didn’t care) and she provided a respite from the stress and nuttiness. Shureee is simply the best. As the pictures show, our kids have grown up with me in this world. I’m so grateful to have a family that has sacrificed and supported me while I pursued this life.
I’m thankful to the people in central South Dakota and across South Dakota. It was a true honor to represent my friends and neighbors. I never took it lightly. I learned so much about the law and the community around me. I learned about what makes people tick (and what ticks them off). More than any of that, I learned a lot about myself, and gained confidence, toughness, and perspective through the trials and tribulations.
I’m thankful for my colleagues. I made some of the best friends and best memories. Even those that were considered “enemies” for a day, a week, or a session were fighting for their view of the public good. I know when we see each other in the years to come, we will only remember the bonds forged in the strange fox hole that is our citizen legislature.
I will look back on my time in the House fondly. I’ll have more to say later, but for now, it is a very fond farewell to an incredible period of my life.
That’s a loss for the house
I hope one of the irrational radicals doesn’t take his place. Jensen, Jordan, Mulally, etc
Full-time campaigning for Dusty?
LT
Very likely if Rhoden continues in the declining.
You english?
“I do not believe the legislature is meant to be a forever job”
I wish the bad ones wouldt take notice of this comment. Thank you for your time in Pierre.
My hope is that he remains involved in the political sphere somehow. We need more like him.
No, we don’t.
You might not, but good sense people do.
One of the most common sense legislators. That’s too bad.
Thank you for your leadership
Will has done a fine job. As I expected.
Poor Will has to go reinvent himself now. Oops
Will does not need to reinvent himself. He is an accomplished attorney, husband and father, and someone who stepped forward to serve when it mattered. Public service is something you give, not something you cling to for identity.
It is a narrow view to assume that life outside elected office is somehow lesser. For most people, public office is one chapter, not the whole story.
One of the normal & reasonable ones to hold the crazies in check that got elected due to a historic low turnout of voters in the primary.
Mortenson also demonstrated courage when calling out the Nazis that attended the rally in Sioux Falls.
Take a break. Come back to serve the people of South Dakota again please.
Thank you for your service Mr. Mortenson, you have been an inspiration to myself and many others. I hope there is another candidate ready to serve your district with the same commitment and common sense as you!
I’m right there with ya Will!
Thank you for your Leadership and Service!!