A longtime Black Hills lawmaker has passed away.
Mike Diedrich died on Saturday after a battle with cancer, according to statements from multiple lawmakers.
Diedrich was a fixture in the Legislature across several decades. He served a number of terms in the 1980s and 90s, then returned in 2017 after he was appointed by the governor.
The Rapid City Republican last served in the Senate in 2024, though he took a leave of absence of during the 2024 session due to health reasons.
The news of Diedrich’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from colleagues and leaders who worked with him over the years. U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, Attorney General Marty Jackley, and Rapid City Mayor Mark Salamun are among those who have commiserated over Diedrich on social media.
"Mike was a good friend and my seat mate for two years while serving in the Legislature together," Rounds said on Facebook. "His work representing Rapid City and our state made South Dakota a better place to live, work and raise a family."
Diedrich was 70.