United States Governor Directory

George S. Mickelson

George S. Mickelson served as Governor of South Dakota.

  • Republican
  • South Dakota
  • Former
Portrait of George S. MickelsonSouth Dakota
Role Governor

Current assignment referenced in the congressional directory.

State South Dakota

Representing constituents across the South Dakota delegation.

Service period 1987-1993

Years of public service formally recorded.

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Biography

GEORGE S. MICKELSON was born in Mobridge, South Dakota. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1963 and his law degree in 1965 from the University of South Dakota. He attained the rank of captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He went on to become Assistant Attorney General of South Dakota, special prosecutor in the Attorney General’s office, Brookings County State’s Attorney. In addition, he served in the South Dakota House of Representatives, where he was elected Speaker. As governor he worked to improve education, increase the minimum wage, promote health care reform, and solve water issues. He also created the Revolving Economic Development and Initiative Fund. Mickelson was killed in a plane crash during his second gubernatorial term.

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