About Jean Hunhoff

When People Matter, Experience Matters.

“When you grow up here, you don’t walk away from the people who
raised you.

You step up for them.

That’s what public service means to me.”

— Jean Hunhoff

Jean Hunhoff has spent her life caring for people as a nurse, a community leader, and a public servant.

She learned early the importance of hard work, faith, and service, values that have guided her through decades in health care and public life. Those same lessons have shaped her leadership, built on listening carefully, working respectfully, and focusing on results that make a difference for South Dakota families.

Jean and her husband, Dan, raised their family in Yankton, where they built their business, cared for their small farm, and stayed active in local schools, their church, and community life. Jean understands the challenges families face, from finding affordable child care to caring for aging parents, and she has never forgotten what matters most: family, community, and opportunity.

A Record of Service

Jean’s career in nursing taught her that leadership starts with listening. Whether caring for a patient or shaping public policy, she approaches every challenge the same way: understand the need, gather the facts, and find a solution that works.

In Pierre, Jean served on key committees focused on health care, education, budgets, and veterans’ issues, including leadership on the Joint Committee on Appropriations. Her work was defined by practical problem-solving, collaboration, and careful attention to detail.

Highlights of Jean’s legislative record include:

SB 196 (2023): Strengthened long-term care and senior services across South Dakota.
SB 125 (2024): Advanced a statewide child care study to improve access for working families.
SB 7 (2024): Updated water resource priorities to support river recreation and infrastructure.
SB 89 and HB 1078 (2023): Expanded alternative care and adult day programs for families and caregivers.

Why She’s Returning

After taking time to reconnect with her community, Jean sees clearly where steady leadership is needed most: in health care, education, workforce, and local infrastructure.

South Dakota’s challenges are changing, but the values that guide good leadership have not. Jean is running again for the State Senate in District 18 to put her experience and common sense approach back to work, helping set South Dakota’s course for a strong and stable future.