State Legislature Selects Leadership
Members of the 2021 Legislature have selected leadership for the upcoming legislative session beginning in January.
State Representative Wylie Galt was elected Speaker of the House. Rep. Casey Knudsen was elected Speaker Pro Tempore by the Republican Caucus. Knudsen, who represents a portion of Valley County, defeated Rep. Rhonda Knudsen, who also represents a portion of Valley County. The Speaker Pro Tempore is the recognized officer of the House who presides over the chamber in the absence of the Speaker of the House.
Rep. Sue Vinton was elected Majority Leader. Kim Abbott was elected Minority Leader. Rep. Marilyn Marler will be Minority Caucus Chair and representatives Seth Berglee, Dennis Lenz, Lola Sheldon- Galloway, Derek Skees and Barry Usher will be Majority whips. Minority whips include Rep. Tyson Runningwolf, Rep. Laurie Bishop and Rep. Derek Harvey.
Sen. Mark Blasdel will be President of the State Senate. Sen. Cary Smith will be Senate Majority Leader. Sen. Jill Cohenour will be Minority Leader. Sen. Jason Ellsworth will be President Pro Tempore.
Senate Majority Whips include Sen. Doug Kary, Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick and Sen. Gordy Vance. Minority Whips: Sen. JP Pomnichowski, Sen. Pat Flowers and Sen. Diane Sands.
