Steph’s Story
Steph Sauder is a fourth generation South Dakotan and lifelong Hamlin County resident. After serving District 4 in the House of Representatives and serving as Mayor of Bryant, Steph is running to serve in the State Senate.
Focused on Family
Steph has deep roots in South Dakota. A lifelong resident of Hamlin County, Steph grew up farming with her family, the Laknesses. Today, the fifth generation of the Lakness Family Farm operation continues to farm as do Steph and her husband, Jerry. The combined operations cover Hamlin, Codington, Clark and Kingsbury counties.
Steph and Jerry are the proud parents of Levi and Isaac. Both sons followed the call for public service as law enforcement officers in South Dakota, protecting their communities. Grandson George, keeps the Sauder family on their toes. As a retired elementary school teacher, Steph wants to make sure our schools are the best they can be so that South Dakota students have bright futures. Steph has also owned and managed a local newspaper because she believes in reaching out to the public with information and being transparent.
Focused on Community
The daughter of Milt and Benita Lakness, Steph learned the values of faith, family, freedom and farming at a young age with her brothers and sisters. Her parents also taught them the importance of public service and giving back to the community. Milt served the region as a State House Representative and Benita served as a Hamlin County Commissioner
For eight years, served as mayor in Bryant. In those roles, Steph led with common sense, conservative values and always did what was best for her neighbors and the community as a whole. It also allowed her to collaborate with county commissioners and leaders in other District 4 cities. As a Legislator, Steph continues to collaborate with citizens throughout the district on all issues. Her focus, discipline, and principles have resulted in legislative wins for the region–a trend that will continue when she moves to the State Senate.
Steph’s proudest accomplishment as a community leader was teaching for 30 years in the Hamlin County School District. The opportunity to work with parents and students was an impactful way to set up the future of South Dakota for success. After all, preparing our youth to work in South Dakota, raise their own families in South Dakota, and give back to their communities is an integral part of what makes our region an incredible place to live.
Focused on South Dakota
Steph’s approach to serving in the Legislature is simple–listen to the citizens and do good things for South Dakota. As a mother, grandmother, farmer, retired teacher, former small business owner, community volunteer, and woman of faith, Steph knows the issues important to South Dakota and is able to focus on working toward positive policy initiatives that will help move the state forward while also preserving our rural values.
As District 4’s State House Representative, Steph serves on the Education, Agriculture, and Veterans and Military Affairs committees. These positions give her a seat at the table to help craft laws that impact our region’s agriculture economy, our youth’s future, and taking care of our veterans and military families.
In the Senate, Steph’s voting record will reflect the priorities of District 4:
Keeping taxes low
Reducing government intrusion and reducing regulations
Safeguarding 2nd Amendment rights
Protecting the sanctity of life for the unborn
Preserving local control for cities, counties, townships and schools
Protecting property rights
Ensuring student success
Advancing public safety
Working hard to strengthen South Dakota’s economy
