Jim Mehlhaff is a member of the South Dakota State Senate, representing District 24. He assumed office on January 10, 2023. His current term ends on January 12, 2027. Mehlhaff is running for re-election to the South Dakota State Senate to represent District 24. He declared candidacy for the Republican primary scheduled on June 2, 2026. Mehlhaff began serving as Senate majority leader on January 15, 2025.