Gov. Larry Rhoden is appointing an agriculture advocate to fill an empty legislative seat.
Brandon Wipf will represent District 22 in the Senate, a district which includes the Huron and Redfield area.
“Brandon Wipf has a keen understanding of our property tax system and reflects South Dakota’s strong values,” Rhoden said in a statement released Thursday. “As a dedicated farmer and ag advocate, he is equipped with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our number one industry. I have no doubt that he will serve our state with excellence.”
The seat opened up after the governor appointed former Sen. David Wheeler to serve as a circuit court judge.
Wipf is a fourth-generation farmer who serves on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Ag Advisory Council and is a director for the American Soybean Association.
“I’m incredibly honored and grateful for the trust the governor has placed in me. I will work hard to earn that same trust from the people of District 22,” Wipf said. “I look forward to partnering with Gov. Rhoden, his entire team, and my new colleagues in the Legislature as we continue building a prosperous future for our state.”
Rhoden says the appointment is effective immediately.