State Senator Justin Cronin is resigning his seat in the South Dakota State Senate, saying he needs to focus on his family, health and career.
The Gettysburg Republican announced his resignation Wednesday. Governor Kristi Noem appointed Republican Representative John Lake of district 23 to fill Cronin’s senate vacancy.
House Majority Leader Lee Qualm says he hates to see Cronin resign.
“Sometimes it seems like we lose so much institutional knowledge, and that’s a big deal,” Qualm says. “Especially in the appropriations where he spent a lot of his time. As far as losing Representative Lake, I really hate to lose him. He was a great asset in the house, a very solid farmer guy that knew agriculture that was very big in appropriations that was just wanted to dot he right thing for the right reasons. He’ll do great in the Senate, I wish him well over there.”
Cronin has served in the statehouse since 2009.
Governor Noem says she’s seeking public input on filling the District 23 vacancy. Nominations are due by September 10.