State Senator steps down

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – South Dakota state Sen. Justin Cronin has resigned, saying he needs to focus on his family, health and career.

The Gettysburg Republican announced his resignation Wednesday. Gov. Kristi Noem appointed Republican Rep. John Lake, a farmer and rancher from Gettysburg, to fill Cronin’s Senate vacancy.

Cronin said it has been “the honor of a lifetime to represent District 23 in the statehouse,” but he realized he needs “to take a step back.”

Cronin has represented the district in the state Senate since 2017. He has served as vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee since the start of this year.

Previously, Cronin served in the South Dakota House, where he was assistant majority leader from 2011 until 2015.

Noem says she will seek public input in filling the House vacancy.

AP-WF-08-29-19