Jason Frerichs

Jason Elliott Frerichs is a former state senator and state representative from South Dakota.

Early life and education

Frerichs graduated from South Dakota State University in 2007, earning a B.S. in Agriculture Education. He is the president of the Roberts County Farmers Union. He lives in Wilmot, South Dakota. Frerichs owns and works on a farm with his father and brothers, and also manages 150 cows. Frerichs teaches agriculture at Lake Area Technical Institute, and is an FFA adviser.
Frerichs' father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all served in the South Dakota House of Representatives. Frerichs served as a page in both the South Dakota Legislature and the United States Senate, working for Senator Tom Daschle.

Political career

Frerichs served in the South Dakota State House of Representatives from 2008 to 2010, where he was the minority whip. In 2010, he was elected to the state senate, becoming minority leader. Frerichs was a member of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, the Legislative Procedure Committee, and the State Affairs. In 2010, he defeated fellow state senator Eldon Nygaard in the race for senate minority leader; Nygaard switched to the Republican Party shortly after.
Frerichs advocates the development of renewable energy in South Dakota. He is considered to be an ally of former Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin.