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

New South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden deflected questions about his political future during his swearing-in ceremony Monday at the Capitol. When asked by the media if he plans to run in the 2026 race for governor,

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