Mike Rounds was born in Huron, South Dakota, and grew up in Pierre, South Dakota. He is the oldest of eleven children in a family where faith, hard work and community service were important. Those early lessons shaped the way he would approach his leadership responsibilities in the future.

In 2014, the people of South Dakota elected Mike to work for them in the United States Senate, where he serves on five key committees: Armed Services, Appropriations, Banking, Indian Affairs and the Select Committee on Intelligence.

From 2003 to 2011, Mike worked as South Dakota’s 31st Governor. His leadership focused on keeping taxes low, helping small businesses grow, creating jobs, and building opportunities so that young people could stay and thrive in South Dakota. During his time in office, the state experienced strong economic development, expanded scholarship opportunities and real growth in tourism and research. Before that, Mike served his community for five terms in the state senate, serving his final three terms as the majority leader.

Outside of public office, Mike worked for nearly three decades in the private sector. Along with his business partners, they successfully built an insurance and real estate business with locations across the state. He understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with running a small business in South Dakota.

Born in Huron and raised in Pierre, Mike Rounds has always called South Dakota home. He and his late wife Jean raised four children–Chris, Brian, Carrie and John–and are blessed with eleven grandchildren who keep the Rounds family table lively. A lifelong Catholic, Mike’s values are rooted in faith, family and service to South Dakota. Read on for some other frequently asked questions about Mike's background.