Jack Kolbeck Throws His Hat Back in the Ring for District 13

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Jack Kolbeck about his decision to go for District 13 in Sioux Falls and the main subjects of the upcoming South Dakota legislature. From the internet: Jack Kolbeck is a Republican politician from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, who has served in both the South Dakota Senate and House of Representatives for District 13, which includes parts of Lincoln and Minnehaha counties. He initially served in the State Senate from 2017 to 2024, including as majority whip from 2023 to 2024, before being appointed to the State House in February 2025 to fill the vacancy left by Tony Venhuizen’s appointment as lieutenant governor. Governor Larry Rhoden appointed Kolbeck, citing his experience and steady leadership, noting their prior work together during Rhoden’s time as presiding officer of the Senate. Prior to his legislative career, Kolbeck worked in the malt beverage industry for over 50 years and has been the key accounts manager for Beal Distributing since 2002. He is also involved in various community and industry organizations, including serving as a board member for the National Beer Distributors and the South Dakota Beer Distributors Association, and as president of the 50-and-over Sioux Falls Men’s Slowpitch softball league. Kolbeck holds a bachelor’s degree in business from South Dakota State University and is a strong advocate for congressional term limits, having signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge in 2022. Although he initially announced in 2023 that he would not seek re-election due to term limits and a desire to focus on family, he accepted the appointment to return to public office in 2025