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Political BackgroundMike Rounds grew up in a large family that emphasized personal and civic responsibility and community involvement. In 1990, he was elected to the South Dakota State Senate, defeating an incumbent Democrat.
He was 36 years old and it was his first run for public office. He was selected to be the Republican Senate caucus Whip for the 1993-94 term and, with support from veteran Senate Republican leaders who saw his potential, he was unanimously chosen to be Senate Majority Leader in 1995. He continued as Majority Leader through the 2000 session, when he left the Senate because of term limits.
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In his role as Senate Majority Leader, Mike spoke on behalf of the Senate Republican caucus. Legislative achievements while Mike was the Majority Leader of the Senate include:
- Overhauling the state aid to education formula and increasing the state’s share of funding from less than 30% to more than 50% of the General Education budget.
- Reducing property taxes by an average of 25% for homeowners, farmers and ranchers.
- Repealing more than 500 rules, laws and mandates affecting local school boards
- Making major reforms in our workers’ compensation plan, helping South Dakota employers to hire more South Dakota employees.
- Funding thousands of acres of public hunting land by leasing long-term hunting rights for the benefit of the public hunter.
- Authorizing and funding the largest four-lane construction plan in this state since the Interstate system was completed.
- Balancing our state’s budget every single year.
- Wiring our schools, providing modern Internet access for our children from one end of the state to the other.
- Sale of the State Cement Plant and the creation of a Permanent Trust Fund of more than 240 million dollars from the proceeds.
His style was one of giving lawmakers the opportunity to express themselves in caucus, including them in the formation of strategy, looking for creative solutions, and maintaining a solidified caucus.
Ten years as a State Senator provided Mike the opportunity to serve on the following committees: State Affairs, Retirement Laws, Commerce, Education, Taxation, Local Government, and Legislative Procedure
Mike became the South Dakota Republican gubernatorial nominee in June, 2002. His inclusive style, natural upbeat friendliness and his knowledge of issues - as well as his ability to look at problems from different points of view and offer innovative solutions - were key elements that allowed him to win a primary against statewide office-holders who each outspent him approximately 10 to 1. His refusal to engage in negative campaigning during the primary has repeatedly been held up by news media as a lesson for all candidates to take into the South Dakota general election campaigns.
Mike went on to win the 2002 general election by a margin of 15% over his Democratic opponent to become South Dakota’s 31st Governor.
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| More Background and FamilyGovernor Rounds Awards & Recognition
First Lady Jean Rounds
Professional/Civic/Family Background
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