SDDP Mourns the Loss of Sen. Herseth

8 hours ago

2 min read

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 15, 2026

CONTACT

Krista Burns, Communications Director

(651) 245-8731

HOUGHTON, S.D. — South Dakota has lost a great leader with the passing of Senator R. Lars Herseth. He leaves a legacy of advocacy and leadership that will be greatly missed.

Herseth served Brown County in the state legislature from 1975-1996. He was also a leader in the Senate as President Pro Tempore. Herseth advocated for South Dakota farmers and ranchers as well as long-term care for seniors. He ran for Governor in 1986 in the closest Gubernatorial election in South Dakota at the time.

"Lars was born into a Brown County family and dedicated his life to public service beginning with his father serving as South Dakota's Governor and his mother as Secretary of State," said Sharon Stroschein, former Herseth for Governor staffer. "As a member of his campaign staff in his bid for Governor in 1986, I had first hand experience listening to his ideas for making South Dakota an even better place to live. His humor was a given. As a legislative leader, Lars had the respect of both sides of the aisle which made him such an effective leader. As a close personal friend and a fellow Brown County political activist, the loss of this solid statesman will be felt for years to come."

"Lars was a friend and neighbor," said South Dakota Democratic Party National Committeewoman Deb Knecht. "His campaign for governor was the first time I’d actively gotten involved in a campaign. In fact Lars and I had the lead role in a melodrama when we did a fundraiser for the 100th celebration of Houghton. He was the hero in the white hat and I was the damsel in distress. I could always count on Lars for good political advice. We will all miss him."

We offer our condolences to his family during this difficult time.

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