RAPID CITY - Gov. Mike Rounds has named Brian Gosch to replace Alan Hanks as a representative from District 32 in Rapid City.

Hanks resigned in June, after he was elected mayor of Rapid City.

Gosch, 36, is an attorney for South Dakota Advocacy Services, which provides legal services to people with disabilities.

Gov. Rounds said in a written statement: "I have known Brian since 2002 and know that he and his wife, Heather, have been active members of the Rapid City community. He will do a great job representing the people of District 32 in Pennington County."

Gosch has lived in Rapid City for about nine years. He was at Black Hills Legal Services before going to work for South Dakota Advocacy Services.

He's a Republican but also a political newcomer. Gosch has never served in elective office.

In fact, Gosch said he was surprised when the governor's office called Thursday to offer the appointment. His wife, Heather Gosch, a Rapid City certified public accountant, gave birth to a son 3-1/2 weeks ago - their fifth child.

"It was the last thing on my mind, the Legislature," he said.

Gosch said he had not asked Rounds to consider him for the Legislature and didn't know he was on the list of candidates. The governor's office was also unaware the he had recently moved, but his new house, south of Rapid City Regional Hospital, also is in District 32.

Gosch said he looked forward to the challenge and that he would go to the Legislature without a personal agenda. He said he'd reserve judgment on whether to run for a full two-year term next year. "I might find it's hard to balance with family," he said.

Gosch was a volunteer on Rounds' campaign in 2002. He also was an intern during a legislative session in Pierre when he was in college. He currently serves on the Mayor's Committee on Disabilities in Rapid City.

Gosch graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1993 and from USD Law School in 1996.

Contact Bill Harlan at 394-8424 or bill.harlan@rapidcityjournal.com