Senator Mike Rounds, Republican from South Dakota

Mike Rounds

Senator · South Dakota · Republican

Mike Rounds

Biography
Mike Rounds, a former insurance executive and small business owner, was elected as U.S. Senator for South Dakota in 2014. He prioritizes agricultural policy, rural economic development, and national security, reflecting the needs of his largely rural state. Rounds has served on the Senate Armed Services and Banking Committees and played a key role in advancing the 2018 Farm Bill. He is known for his pragmatic approach and consistent efforts to ensure South Dakotans’ voices are represented in federal policy decisions.
Education
  • B.S. in Political Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD
    1977
Professional History

  • U.S. Senator

    2015–Present

    Senator from South Dakota. 2 terms.

  • Governor of South Dakota

    2003–2011

    Served as the 31st governor of South Dakota, winning election in 2002 and reelection in 2006.

  • Chair, Midwestern Governors Association

    2008

    Served as chair of the regional association of Midwestern state governors while governor of South Dakota.

  • Member, Governors' Council, Bipartisan Policy Center

    Served on the Bipartisan Policy Center's Governors' Council during his tenure as governor of South Dakota.

  • State Senator, South Dakota Senate (District 24)

    1991–2001

    Represented a district based in Pierre, covering Hughes, Lyman, Stanley, and Sully counties.

  • Senate Majority Leader, South Dakota Senate

    1995–2001

    Selected by his peers as Senate Majority Leader after previously serving as Senate Minority Whip beginning in 1993.

Policy Focus
Armed Forces and National Security13%
Agriculture and Food10%
Finance and Financial Sector8%
Native Americans6%
Notable Legislation

Key legislative actions from Mike Rounds's record in Congress.

  • Veterans' Health Care

    Co-sponsored and helped pass the VA MISSION Act to improve veterans' access to private health care providers.

  • Rural Water Infrastructure

    Secured federal funding for the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System to expand clean water access in South Dakota.

  • Cybersecurity Policy

    Chaired the Senate Armed Services Cybersecurity Subcommittee, advancing policies to strengthen U.S. cyber defense capabilities.

  • Indian Health Service Reform

    Introduced legislation to improve accountability and quality of care within the Indian Health Service in South Dakota.

Committee Assignments
View details →
  • Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
  • Senate Committee on Armed Services
  • Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
  • Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
  • Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
  • Senate Committee on Appropriations

Sen. Mike Rounds FAQ

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