PIERRE - Sen. Mark Johnston is resigning from the South Dakota Legislature.

The Sioux Falls Republican from District 12 says he is accepting a vice president position with Sanford Health. His resignation is effective at the end of the month. He has served in the Senate the past three sessions.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard says Johnston has been "a thoughtful legislator and a leader on education issues," and that he will be missed.

Daugaard will appoint Johnston's successor. He's asking members of the public to nominate candidates, and says he expects to fill the vacancy by midsummer.

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