Ron J. Volesky

Ron J. Volesky (born July 13, 1954) is an American lawyer, who served 16 years in the South Dakota Senate, first as a member of the Republican Party before switching to the Democratic Party.

Volesky lives in Huron, S.D. and is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Tribe.

Volesky represents Debra Jenner-Tyler of Huron, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of her 3-year-old daughter Abby. In 1987, Jenner-Tyler brutally stabbed her daughter roughly 70 times. Volesky speaks for Jenner-Tyler, as she routinely seeks parole from the Parole Board. Jenner-Tyler has repeatedly been denied parole.

Volesky has been an active member of both the Republican and Democratic parties in South Dakota. He has served in local and state government and made several attempts for higher state office.

Volesky served three years as city commissioner in Huron and 16 years in the State Senate.

In 2002, he ran for governor and finished second in a four-way Democratic primary to Jim Abbott.

Volesky again ran for governor of South Dakota in 2004 with his intention to be the Democratic candidate opposing Republican Mike Rounds. But he abandoned his bid on February 22, 2006, citing an inability to raise funds.

In August 2009, Volesky again announced his intention to run for governor of South Dakota. He was the fifth candidate to enter the race and the second Democratic candidate. According to year-end campaign finance reports, Volesky hadn't created or spent any money on or for his campaign.

Volesky also was the Democratic nominee for attorney general in 2002 and 2006.

Volesky ran for South Dakota Attorney General against Marty Jackley in the 2010 election.