Gov. Rhoden Appoints David Wheeler to Third Judicial Circuit Court

Gov. Rhoden Appoints David Wheeler to Third Judicial Circuit Court

PIERRE, S.D.—On April 25, Gov. Larry Rhoden announced that he appointed David Wheeler to be a circuit judge in the Third Judicial Circuit, a vacancy that will be open upon the retirement of Presiding Judge Gregory J. Stoltenburg. Wheeler resigned from his seat in the South Dakota State Senate on April 24.

“I’ve gotten to know David through the last several years as a senator when I was president of the Senate,” said Gov. Rhoden. “He believes in our institutions and in upholding the rule of law as written, not as one may think it should be written. I am confident David will represent the judicial branch with the same integrity, work ethic, and passion that he did in the Senate.”

Wheeler grew up in Huron. He obtained his undergraduate degree, masters and juris doctor from the University of South Dakota. He entered private practice and is currently a partner at the Blue, Wheeler and Banks LLP. Wheeler has served many roles, including prosecuting and public defense. He was elected in 2020 as a state senator and was serving his third term for District 22 prior to his resignation.

“Public service is very important to me. It has been my honor to serve the people of South Dakota as a state senator,” said Wheeler. “I am incredibly grateful to Governor Rhoden for the opportunity to serve the people in this new role as a circuit court judge. As a judge, it will be my job to apply the law fairly and equally without regard for politics or personal beliefs.” 

Wheeler is married to Kristin Wheeler, who is a high school counselor, and they live in Huron with their three children. A photo of Wheeler can be found here.

The Third Judicial Circuit consists of the counties of Beadle, Brookings, Clark, Codington, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, Hand, Jerauld, Kingsbury, Lake, Miner, Moody and Sanborn.