District 24 Representative and former House Republican Party Leader Will Mortenson of Fort Pierre is not running for reelection. In an announcement posted on social media (Feb. 15, 2026), Mortenson said the legislature isn’t meant to be a forever job and it’s time for him to step aside. He said it’s been a “wild ride” through COVID, surpluses, the impeachment of a state Attorney General, leadership, tax cuts, pipelines, prisons and a mid-term transition in governors. Mortenson said he never took lightly the responsibility of representing his constituents and it was an honor to represent his friends and neighbors. He thanked the residents of District 24, his colleagues in the legislature and his family for allowing him the time to serve in South Dakota’s citizen legislature. Mortenson finished by saying, “I’ll have more to say later, but for now, it is a very fond farewell to an incredible period of my life.”   Mortenson’s entire social media post is below. It has been a wild ride. I am not running for re-election to the House this year. I do not believe the legislature is meant to be a forever job, and the time is right to step aside. I have given this job my all, and it has truly been a wild ride: COVID, Impeachment, Surpluses, Leadership, Tax Cuts, Pipelines, Prisons, and a Governor Transition. Through it all, I tried to uphold the values and ethics I campaigned on: respect, common sense, diligence, and policy goals that were consistently restrained and truly conservative. I said I’d prioritize agriculture education, and I did. I told you I’d support families and protect the unborn, and I have. I pledged I would fight against onerous mandates and silly regulations, and I have absolutely worn myself out doing so. I’m thankful for Shuree, who has been my north star. She always listened (even if she didn’t care) and she provided a respite from the stress and nuttiness. Shureee is simply the best. As the pictures show, our kids have grown up with me in this world. I’m so grateful to have a family that has sacrificed and supported me while I pursued this life. I’m thankful to the people in central South Dakota and across South Dakota. It was a true honor to represent my friends and neighbors. I never took it lightly. I learned so much about the law and the community around me. I learned about what makes people tick (and what ticks them off). More than any of that, I learned a lot about myself, and gained confidence, toughness, and perspective through the trials and tribulations. I’m thankful for my colleagues. I made some of the best friends and best memories. Even those that were considered “enemies” for a day, a week, or a session were fighting for their view of the public good. I know when we see each other in the years to come, we will only remember the bonds forged in the strange fox hole that is our citizen legislature. I will look back on my time in the House fondly. I’ll have more to say later, but for now, it is a very fond farewell to an incredible period of my life. ...read more read less