Jean Hunhoff
Jean Hunhoff is a nurse, small business owner, and longtime Yankton resident who has served in the South Dakota Legislature since 2001, representing District 18 in both the House and Senate. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee she built a reputation for asking tough budget questions and finding practical solutions. She is the longest-serving female legislator in state history. After losing the 2024 Republican primary by fewer than 100 votes, she is running again in 2026 to reclaim the District 18 Senate seat.
Why they’re
Sensible
Hunhoff brings deeper institutional experience than any other candidate in her district — decades on appropriations committees combined with a healthcare background give her an unusually grounded view of the state budget. She consistently centers families, rural healthcare access, and education funding in her platform. Her temperament is collaborative rather than combative, prioritizing practical outcomes over ideological performance. Sensible South Dakota finds her commitment to fiscal discipline and constituent service closely aligned with our principles.
Key positions
“I want to work to make sure that the taxpayer dollars are used for the right purposes.”
“Trust means that colleagues, constituents, and the general public can believe the legislator walks the talk.”
“Every day I wake up I know that God has something planned for me to serve others.”
Also running for
SD State Senate · District 18
Every other candidate filed for this seat, listed for transparency. Our Sensible slate reflects the full field — not just a single pick.