Jeff Marlette
Jeff Marlette is a retired U.S. Army Major General from Rapid City who served 36 years in the South Dakota Army National Guard, including a 15-month combat deployment to Iraq commanding an artillery battalion and six years as South Dakota's 22nd Adjutant General (2019–2023). A career educator, he served as superintendent of schools in multiple South Dakota districts and also worked as West River Director for U.S. Senator Mike Rounds and held a cabinet post under Governor Kristi Noem. He and his wife Sandy are longtime Pennington County residents and active in the Rapid City community through the Pennington County GOP, Hills Alive, and the Will Graham Ministry.
Why they’re
Sensible
Marlette brings to District 33 the kind of resume — 36 years in uniform, six years leading the South Dakota National Guard, years as a school superintendent, and West River service for Senator Rounds — that tends to produce legislators who listen first and argue second. His platform is practical and local: restructure the property-tax system in a way ordinary homeowners can afford, support Ellsworth AFB's expansion, address the water-supply pressures of western South Dakota, and keep agriculture strong. His own words — 'I will be a legislator who listens, learns, and works hard to understand issues' — describe the temperament District 33 has been missing. That steadiness, grounded in a lifetime of public service, is why he earns the Sensible endorsement.
Key positions
“I will support sensible restructuring of the property tax system, a strong education system and a vibrant environment for business.”
“I fully support the expansion of Ellsworth Airforce Base and the need to address water shortage issues in western South Dakota.”
“I fully support the expansion of Ellsworth Airforce Base…”
“Some of his best education comes from growing up in a farm/ranch family, where he learned the value of hard work and the importance of keeping our Agriculture industry strong.”
“I will be a legislator who listens, learns, and works hard to understand issues and to find meaningful solutions to the challenges facing our state.”
“As a commonsense conservative, I will work to support traditional family values and to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent in a fiscally conservative manner.”
Notable votes & actions
Also running for
SD State House · District 33
Every other candidate filed for this seat, listed for transparency. Our Sensible slate reflects the full field — not just a single pick.