Mike Rounds

Mike Rounds
Name	Mike Rounds
Caption	Official portrait, 2021
State	South Dakota
Jr/sr	United States Senator
Alongside	John Thune
Term start	January 3, 2015
Predecessor	Tim Johnson
Order1	31st
Office1	Governor of South Dakota
Term start1	January 7, 2003
Term end1	January 8, 2011
Lieutenant1	Dennis Daugaard
Predecessor1	Bill Janklow
Successor1	Dennis Daugaard
State senate2	South Dakota
District2	24th
Term start2	1991
Term end2	2001
Predecessor2	District established
Successor2	Bob Gray
Party	Republican
Spouse	Jean Rounds
Education	South Dakota State University (BA)

Mike Rounds. Marion Michael Rounds is an American politician serving as the junior United States Senator from South Dakota since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the 31st Governor of South Dakota from 2003 to 2011. His political career, rooted in the South Dakota Legislature, has been characterized by a focus on fiscal conservatism, agricultural policy, and national defense.

Early life and education

Marion Michael Rounds was born on October 24, 1954, in Huron, South Dakota, to Don and June Rounds. He grew up in the state's capital city, Pierre, where his father was a prominent businessman and served in the South Dakota Senate. Rounds attended T.F. Riggs High School before enrolling at South Dakota State University in Brookings. He graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, having been active in student government and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. His early exposure to state politics through his family significantly influenced his future career path.

Business career

Before entering politics full-time, Rounds established himself in the insurance and real estate sectors in Pierre. He co-founded and served as president of Fisher Rounds & Associates, Inc., a successful insurance and bonding agency. His business acumen extended to real estate development, where he was involved in several property management and investment ventures across Central South Dakota. This experience in the private sector formed the foundation for his political advocacy for small business and economic development, themes he later emphasized during his tenure in the South Dakota State Capitol.

South Dakota politics

Rounds began his political career in the South Dakota Senate, representing District 24 from 1991 to 2001, where he eventually served as Majority Leader. In 2002, he was elected Governor of South Dakota, succeeding Bill Janklow. During his two terms, his administration focused on balancing the state budget without raising taxes, improving K-12 education funding, and promoting economic development projects. He worked closely with Lieutenant Governor Dennis Daugaard and the South Dakota Legislature to pass significant legislation, including the state investment fund reforms. His governorship concluded in 2011, after which he was succeeded by Daugaard.

U.S. Senate career

In 2014, Rounds was elected to the United States Senate, defeating Democrat Rick Weiland and former U.S. Senator Larry Pressler, who ran as an independent. He took office on January 3, 2015, joining fellow Republican John Thune in representing South Dakota. In the Senate, he has served on several key committees, including the Armed Services Committee, the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and the Banking Committee. He played a pivotal role in the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill and has been a vocal advocate for Ellsworth Air Force Base and the state's agricultural interests. Rounds was re-elected in 2020.

Political positions

Rounds is a conservative Republican whose positions align with the party's mainstream on fiscal and national security issues. He is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and has an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association. On fiscal policy, he advocates for a balanced budget amendment and has consistently supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. He is pro-life, receiving endorsements from groups like the Susan B. Anthony List. Regarding foreign policy, he is considered a hawk, supporting a strong military and robust alliances like NATO. He served as a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and was part of the "Gang of Eight" that crafted the 2013 comprehensive immigration reform bill.

Personal life

Rounds is married to Jean Rounds, a former teacher and South Dakota Board of Regents member. The couple has four children and several grandchildren. They are members of the First United Methodist Church in Pierre. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys hunting and fishing across South Dakota. He and his family have been involved with the Boy Scouts of America, and Rounds has received the Silver Buffalo Award for his service to the organization. He maintains a residence in Fort Pierre and is a lifetime member of the American Legion.

Category:1954 births Category:Living people Category:United States senators from South Dakota