Matthew Michels (born March 9, 1960[1]) is an American politician who served from 2011 to 2019 as the 38th lieutenant governor of South Dakota.

Matt Michels
38th Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota
In office
January 8, 2011 – January 5, 2019
GovernorDennis Daugaard
Preceded byDennis Daugaard
Succeeded byLarry Rhoden
Speaker of the South Dakota House of Representatives
In office
January 2003 – January 2007
Preceded byScott G. Eccarius
Succeeded byThomas Deadrick
Member of the South Dakota House of Representatives
from the 18th district
In office
January 1999 – January 2007
Succeeded byNick Moser
Personal details
Born (1960-03-09) March 9, 1960 (age 64)
Pierre, South Dakota, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseKaren Lindbloom
Children1 son
EducationUniversity of South Dakota (BS, JD)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Navy
Years of service1985-1989
UnitJ.A.G. Corps

Early life and education

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Michels was born in Pierre, South Dakota. He graduated with a B.S. from the University of South Dakota in 1981 and a J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1985. Michels also worked as a nurse between 1981 and 1985.

Career

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Michels attended Naval Justice School and entered U.S. Navy JAG Corps. He was honorably discharged from the JAG Corps in 1989. He later became general counsel for Avera Health.

A member of the Republican Party, he served as speaker of the South Dakota House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007. Dennis Daugaard picked him as his running mate in the 2010 gubernatorial election;[2][3] they were reelected in 2014.

Electoral history

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South Dakota House of Representatives District 18 Election, 2002
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Matt Michels 5,724 35.31
Republican Jean Hunhoff 4,699 28.98
Democratic Scott Swier 4,234 26.11
Democratic Jay Blankenfield 1,556 9.60
South Dakota House of Representatives District 18 Election, 2004
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Matt Michels 6,866 53.39
Republican Jean Hunhoff 5,993 46.61

References

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  1. ^ Montgomery, David (2011-03-09). "Lt. Gov. Michels celebrates birthday today". Rapid City Journal. Retrieved 2018-12-04.
  2. ^ 2010 Elections: Senate, House and Governors' Races By State - South Dakota - ABC News
  3. ^ Dennis Daugaard for Governor Archived 2010-10-24 at the Wayback Machine
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Party political offices
Preceded by Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota
2010, 2014
Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by
Scott Eccarius
Speaker of the South Dakota House of Representatives
2003–2007
Succeeded by
Preceded by Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota
2011–2019
Succeeded by