Rhoden, previously the lieutenant governor of South Dakota under former Gov. Kristi Noem, officially succeeded to governor of South Dakota during a private swearing-in ceremony Monday. The new governor was joined by members of his family, Democrat and Republican leaders from both state chambers, and several prominent state leaders and employees.

Larry Rhoden, who succeeded Kristi Noem as South Dakota’s governor on Saturday, brings a lengthy record of success as state legislator to his new office. The Meade County rancher and welder had already served 16 years in the Legislature and was seeking re-election to a seat in the House in 2018

Following Governor Kristi Noem’s appointment to Secretary of Homeland Security, Larry Rhoden succeeded to Governor of South Dakota. Rhoden received Noem’s resignation as Governor and succeeded immediately following the vote by the United States Senate.

Gov. Larry Rhoden said he chose Tony Venhuizen as lieutenant governor for his knowledge of the Legislature and experience in the executive branch.

Governor Rhoden grew up as a rancher in Meade County and served in the South Dakota National Guard from 1978 to 1985. He has stated that said experience has prepared him to tackle the most pressing issue that South Dakotans face. Republican State Senator Helene Duhamel of district 32 in Rapid City gave her remarks while congratulating Rhoden.

Rhoden is now the 34th Governor of South Dakota pursuant to Article 4 Section 6 of the South Dakota Constitution. Details on the succession and swearing-in ceremony have yet to be announced.

The South Dakota Legislature has unanimously confirmed Tony Venhuizen (Jan. 30, 2025) as the state’s 40th Lieutenant Governor. During the House debate, lawmakers of both political parties expressed support for Venhuizen’s nomination.

Rhoden emphasized that his leadership will focus on keeping South Dakota "strong, safe, and free." While not presenting a separate budget, he acknowledged concerns regarding certain aspects of the proposed budget and expressed intent to address those issues collaboratively.

The gubernatorial transition comes after Kristi Noem was confirmed as the next Department of Homeland Security Secretary following a Senate vote on Saturday morning.

Rhoden, 65, served as the state's lieutenant governor of South Dakota from 2019 until Saturday when former Gov. Kristi Noem resigned the office after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

A Sioux Falls legislator and longtime presence in South Dakota Republican politics, Tony Venhuizen, is Gov. Larry Rhoden’s pick for lieutenant governor. Rhoden announced his choice Wednesday morning at the Capitol in Pierre,