Will D. Mortenson, born in Pierre, South Dakota, is an American attorney and a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. He graduated from T. F. Riggs High School and attended the University of South Dakota (USD), where he received his B.A. Mortenson played a key role in the 2010 reelection campaign of Public Utilities Commissioner Dusty Johnson. Later, he worked in the Office of Governor Dennis Daugaard as a policy analyst.
In 2016, Mortenson graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law with his J.D. He then embarked on a legal career in Fort Pierre, focusing on representing agricultural producers and business owners in District 24.
Mortenson’s political journey began in 2020 when he ran for the South Dakota House of Representatives from District 24. He secured victory in both the primary and general elections. Notably, he filed articles of impeachment against Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg in 2021 and again in 2022, leading to Ravnsborg’s removal from office. In 2022, Mortenson made history by becoming the youngest Republican to serve as House Majority Leader in the state, as well as the first tribal member to lead a majority caucus.
Election history (2020):
- South Dakota House of Representatives District 24
- Republican Will Mortenson: 8,410 votes (43.63%)
- Republican Mike Weisgram: 7,786 votes (40.39%)
- Democratic Amanda Bachmann: 3,079 votes (15.97%)
- Total votes: 19,275
Mortenson continues to advocate for his constituents and contribute to South Dakota’s legislative landscape. His commitment to public service and legal expertise make him a valuable asset in the State House of Representatives.
