About John

John Harter is a multigenerational resident of Tripp County and lifelong South Dakotan. As a teenager, he was selected as the Boys State Representative for Colome American Legion Post 146 in 1980, before graduating with honors from Colome High School in 1981. After High School, he attended Wyoming Technical College to further his technical education and trade background that supported his early career ventures, which included work as an auto mechanic, a machinist, and an auto parts salesman.

Since 2001, John has dedicated himself full-time to his cattle ranching operation near Winner. He understands the economic pressures, regulatory challenges and market dynamics that affect farmers throughout our district and state.

John first stepped into the political arena to fight against eminent domain abuse and corporate overreach. He has repeatedly testified in Pierre and also traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for the rights of South Dakota landowners in front of state and federal lawmakers. John Harter is a friend, a neighbor, and a battle-hardened fighter for our farmers and ranchers.

He has been married to his wife Tammy for forty years. They are proud parents to their daughter, Rebecca. When he’s not on his ranch, John, is active in his local gun club, is a 40-year karate instructor in Winner, and is certified as an NRA Handgun Instructor, and an Enhanced Carry Instructor for South Dakota.

As your State Representative, he will take his experience as a farmer and rancher, and record of effective conservative advocacy to Pierre to serve District 21 and the communities within it. John will fight for lower property taxes, to crack down on excess state government spending, and to bring a farmer’s voice in front of State Department and Federal Lawmakers.