South Dakota State Senate District 11

Current seat holder: Chris Karr (R).

Aaron Matson

Aaron Matson The Democratic primary for this office on June 2, 2026, was canceled. Aaron Matson was born in Watertown, South Dakota. He earned a bachelor's degree from Northern State University in 2002 and a graduate degree from the Trinity Lutheran Seminary in 2008. He also earned a Ph.D. from the University of South Dakota in 2017.

· Ballotpedia (secondary source)

Campaign site

“I want to help bring back common values, common decency, and common sense to our state government. I'm running because I want to make South Dakota an even better place to live, a place where all South Dakotans have a good quality of life and know the blessings of freedom, opportunity, and security. Even more than specific issues, I want to help change the attitude of the state government from a focus on what will get the governor or certain legislators press attention, or cable news interviews, to what we can do together to make a positive difference in people's lives.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)
“If I'm elected, I will work for a good quality of life for all the people of our state built on common values like freedom, opportunity, and security for all. This means focusing on issues like:​” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)
“I am a hard worker, eager to listen and learn, and be a good neighbor. I have strong core values like honesty, integrity, compassion, and humility. My life experiences growing up in this state, serving as a pastor, and earning a PhD in Political Science have instilled in me a strong sense of public service and a desire to put my skills to work in elected office.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)

Chris Karr

Chris Karr The South Dakota Senate elected Karr Senate president pro tempore on January 14, 2025. The president pro tempore presides over the Senate body in the absence of the Senate president, which in the case of South Dakota is the lieutenant governor. Karr was born in Tabor, South Dakota, in 1980. He received a B.S. Serves in the South Dakota State Senate representing District 11. Occupation: Self-Employed.

“Access is important to us, and I believe in our citizen legislature.” (South Dakota Searchlight)
“I think there are plenty of points of access that are easier than knocking on my door and scaring my family just in the hope that I'm here.” (South Dakota Searchlight)