David L. Knudson (born April 30, 1950) is an American lawyer, former Majority Leader of the South Dakota Senate, and a member of the Republican Party.

[5][7][8] Knudson majored in government and philosophy at Harvard University, and graduated with honors in 1972.

[5][8] Following college, he attended New York University School of Law on a full scholarship through the Root-Tilden Scholar program, and graduated in 1975.

[9][10] Knudson received his Master of Business Administration from the University of South Dakota in 1981.

[9] On December 21, 2008, Knudson filed paperwork with South Dakota Secretary of State to start a campaign committee to seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2010.