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.

The South Dakota Legislature voted unanimously on Thursday at the Capitol in Pierre to confirm Tony Venhuizen as the state’s lieutenant governor. Venhuizen, 42, was sworn in shortly afterward. The Sioux Falls Republican’s voice shook momentarily with emotion as he took to the lectern to address the Senate in his first remarks as the body’s

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.

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden delivered his first joint address to the South Dakota Legislature as governor on Tuesday. His full speech is here:

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.

South Dakota voters are going through their own period of adjustment as Larry Rhoden settles into his new job as governor. Many voters, especially those who live on the east side of the state, are still unfamiliar with the longtime West River politician.

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 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.

Kristi Noem has resigned as governor of South Dakota after her confirmation by the U.S. Senate as Secretary of Homeland Security. Larry Rhoden is now governor of South Dakota. Noem was chosen by the president-elect to lead the department responsible for immigration and border-related actions that will be central to h…

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.