A Rapid City lawmaker is resigning her seat ahead of the upcoming legislative session.
Republican Rep. Jess Olson is stepping down, citing ongoing health issues. She represented District 34, which encompasses much of west Rapid City.
Olson was a moderate Republican in the statehouse, who often spoke out and voted against bills targeting the state’s transgender youth.
Olson most recently sponsored a bill updating references to the governor and other positions, making them gender neutral. Gov. Kristi Noem signed the bill last March.
The resignation now leaves two Rapid City legislative seats open. State Sen. Jessica Castleberry resigned her spot earlier this year, following accusations of her business improperly receiving COVID relief dollars.
Noem has yet to fill that seat.
