Larry Rhoden is officially the 34th governor of the state of South Dakota.
The West River rancher will is carrying out the remainder of now-Secretary Kristi Noem’s term.
At just after 11 a.m. central on Monday, Rhoden raises his right hand to take the oath of office.
His left hand is placed over two Bibles — one is his mother’s study Bible held together by bailer twine, and the other a pocket-sized, bulletproof copy his father carried in WWII.
Rhoden said it feels surreal to be governor.
“Honestly, especially — I think — I say, only in South Dakota could somebody like me who grew up on a ranch in western South Dakota and have the kind of opportunity to serve at this level," Rhoden said. "I just look at it as a tremendous opportunity to represent the people in a state that I absolutely love.”
Rhoden is the state’s fifth West River governor and the first to hold the state’s highest office since Walter Dale Miller. The parallels to Miller don’t end there. Both are from Meade County, succeeded to the governor’s office, are the two oldest to have held the position and have extensive elected experience.
Rhoden served in the state legislature from 2001 to 2015, and again from 2017 to 2019 before Noem picked him as her running mate.
Rhoden said he’s had months worth of briefings and meetings with Noem, current and former state officials and friends. He says he’s ready to lead.
“I would say that we’ve been preparing to be prepared for over a year,” Rhoden said. “Because, there was always a distinct possibility I’d end up in the position I am now. So, we have a great set of staff and a great cabinet. So, it’s been a relatively easy process for me.”
The Rhoden administration has announced a few staff changes. According to a press release:
"Mackenzie Decker will serve as the governor’s chief of staff. Mackenzie has worked for state government for 12 years, joining the Governor’s office over two years ago.
"Matt Michels will serve as Senior Advisor and Counsel to the Governor. Michels previously served as the 38th Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota from 2011 to 2019 under Governor Dennis Daugaard.
"Ian Fury will continue in the role of Director of Communications and Unborn Child Advocate, though he will not serve as the Governor’s media spokesperson. A spokesperson has been hired and will be announced in the coming days."
Rhoden will address a joint session of the state Legislature on Tuesday at 1:30 pm.
Rhoden said he will announce his lieutenant governor pick in the coming days.
