PIERRE, S.D. – There’s a sub plot developing behind the scenes of today’s special legislative session in Pierre: who will be in leadership in 2021.
Key roles in the next legislative term are up for grabs this December when party caucuses elect leadership. Those leaders then make committee assignments and determine who will chair each committee. There’s a lot of power up for grabs, particularly in the House.
Current House Majority Leader Lee Qualm of Platte will not return in the 2021 term leaving his post open to speculation. And that’s just what’s happening behind the scenes of today’s special session.
Small groups of House members have been speaking privately about who will take the Majority Leader reins in January. House Speaker Steven Haugaard of Sioux Falls has been open about his interest in the job but it’s not a done deal. Haugaard as struggled with some high profile conflicts within his ranks and among the influential lobbyist base.
District 13 Representative Sue Peterson of Sioux Falls has been mentioned as a potential nominee but it’s a different Peterson that may ultimately win favor: District 19 Representative Kent Peterson of rural Salem. He’s a full time farmer who holds an MBA and has served on the House Ag, Judiciary, and State Affairs Committees.
The House Speaker Pro Tempore (Speaker Pro Tem) traditionally ascends to the dais as Speaker of the House. But tradition isn’t a rule and District 23 Representative Spencer Gosch of Glanham will need to form coalitions with any new Majority Leader other than Haugaard.
Republicans in the Senate will also need to select a new majority leader after Senator Deb Langer of Dell Rapids set aside her re-election campaign. Senate President Pro Tempore Brock Greenfield would likely have been a shoo in if not for a drinking scandal at the end of the 2020 legislative session. Both Langer and Greenfield received a scolding from legislative leadership but no formal censure from the full body.
Which has some speculating that Greenfield may seek the Majority Leader job after all. He has formed considerable alliances in both chambers of the legislature and has solid bona fides within his party.
Senator Lee Schoenbeck may just offer the counter point as Senate Majority Leader. The out spoken Watertown attorney isn’t afraid to mix things up and is known for his quirky, if not eviscerating wit. Shoenbeck has increased his public profile recently and any discussion of a Senate Majority Leader will likely include his name.
Democrats in both chambers say they are focused on winning general election seats in November before speculating about party leadership roles in December. The party faces an overwhelming chasm of numbers when compared to Republicans but several Democrats have said they will still be competitive on issues in the next term.
The next regular run of the State Legislature begins on January 12, 2021.
