Phil Jensen | |
|---|---|
 Jensen at the 2024 Hazlitt Summit hosted byYoung Americans for Liberty Foundation | |
| Member of theSouth Dakota House of Representatives from the 33rd district | |
| Assumed office January 12, 2021 Serving with Curt Massie | |
| Member of theSouth Dakota Senate from the 33rd[1] district | |
| In office January 8, 2013 – January 12, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Elizabeth Kraus |
| Succeeded by | David Johnson |
| Member of theSouth Dakota House of Representatives from the 33rd district | |
| In office January 2009 – January 8, 2013 Serving with Jacqueline Sly (2009–2013) | |
| Succeeded by | Scott Craig |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1952-07-24)July 24, 1952 (age 73) |
| Nationality | American |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Janet Jensen[2] |
| Residence | Rapid City, South Dakota |
| Website | philjensen |
Phil Jensen (born July 24, 1952), is an American politician fromPennington County,South Dakota who is a current member of theSouth Dakota House of Representatives and has served as aRepublican member of theSouth Dakota Senate representing District 33 from 2013 to 2021.[3] Jensen served consecutively in theSouth Dakota Legislature from January 2009 until January 8, 2013 in theSouth Dakota House of Representatives District 33 seat. He currently serves as the Chairman of theSouth Dakota Freedom Caucus.[4] He supplements his legislative income as acookware dealer.
Jensen attracted attention nationally for his assertion in an interview with theRapid City Journal that thefree market, not government, should be allowed to decide whether or not racial discrimination is acceptable, and that his SB 128 introduced in 2013, which would allow discrimination by business owners, would serve to protect "the constitutional right to free association, the right to free speech and private property rights." (The bill failed, having drawn such reactions as fellow Republican State SenatorMark Kirkeby terming it "a mean, nasty, hateful, vindictive bill.")[5] Jensen's stance was repudiated by Republican GovernorDennis Daugaard, who issued apress release stating, "I found his comments to be completely out of line with South Dakota values. I don't agree with him and I haven't talked to anyone who does.[6] Jensen is uncertain about the assertion that he is South Dakota's most conservative politician, describing himself as simply a trueReagan conservative; but asserts that "too many" members of his own party areRepublicans In Name Only.[7]
In 2022, it emerged that Jensen had been a member of the far-right militia group, theOath Keepers.[8]
In 2025, Jensen purposed a bill which would have directed the South Dakota Department of Education to withhold money from theHuron School District. Jensen explained to theArgus Leader that the bill was intended to get district leaders to testify in Pierre to explain why "it is allowing boys to go into girls' bathrooms." The bill received statewide condemnation including from fellow Republican lawmakers, leading to Jensen being demoted as Vice Chair of the House Education Committee and withdrawing the bill less than 24 hours.[9]