Gov. Larry Rhoden is picking Tony Venhuizen, a Sioux Falls Republican, as the man to fill his former role.
Rhoden, a West River rancher, said the process to pick the lieutenant governor was extensive.
Venhuizen served as chief of staff for Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s second term, and for a time a Gov. Kristi Noem’s chief of staff.
Gov. Rhoden said he worked closely with Venhuizen when he was in the Legislature in 2017 — and again during the transition to the Noem administration.
Rhoden says Venhuizen has a deep knowledge of the state, committee experience and understands the complexity of the legislative process.
“We think on the same terms. Just the common sense and clarity he can bring to a conversation was just more than impressive to anyone that dealt with him," Rhoden said. "It was a long evolution, but needless to say, I have a huge amount of respect for Tony.”
The South Dakota constitution requires the lieutenant governor preside over the state Senate. They cast a vote only in the event of a tie.
Venhuizen said he views the role as a link between the governor’s office and the legislature.
“It’s a pretty surreal feeling. I’m not sure I’ve entirely absorbed it, but I’m looking forward to it," Venhuizen said. "I do think — having worked in the governor’s office and chief-of-staff and worked with the lieutenant governor for three of them — I have a pretty good idea of what that entails and what it needs to be: a partner to the governor, support to the governor’s staff, a bridge back to the legislature.”
Before Venhuizen officially becomes lieutenant governor, he must be approved by the House and Senate.
Venhuizen’s elevation to the lieutenant governor role will leave his legislative seat vacant. Rhoden now has to appoint two seats to the state House of Representatives. Republican Herman Otten resigned his seat before session started earlier this month.
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— LR TV handshake.JPG
Gov. Larry Rhoden, left, announced Tony Venhuizen as his lieutenant governor in a special press briefing on Jan. 29, 2025.
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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Former Gov. Dennis Daugaard (left) takes photos at the briefing
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Tony Venhuizen as his lieutenant governor in a special press briefing on Jan. 29, 2025.
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Tony Venhuizen as his lieutenant governor in a special press briefing on Jan. 29, 2025.
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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Matt Michels, advisor to Gov. Larry Rhoden, joins the briefing announcing Tony Venhuizen as lieutenant governor
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Tony Venhuizen as his lieutenant governor in a special press briefing on Jan. 29, 2025.
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Tony Venhuizen as his lieutenant governor in a special press briefing on Jan. 29, 2025.
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Tony Venhuizen as his lieutenant governor in a special press briefing on Jan. 29, 2025.
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Tony Venhuizen as his lieutenant governor in a special press briefing on Jan. 29, 2025.
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Tony Venhuizen as his lieutenant governor in a special press briefing on Jan. 29, 2025.
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Tony Venhuizen as his lieutenant governor in a special press briefing on Jan. 29, 2025.
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Tony Venhuizen as his lieutenant governor in a special press briefing on Jan. 29, 2025.
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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— TV LR handshake.JPG
Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Tony Venhuizen as his lieutenant governor in a special press briefing on Jan. 29, 2025.
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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— TV hug.JPG
Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Tony Venhuizen as his lieutenant governor in a special press briefing on Jan. 29, 2025.
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Tony Venhuizen as his lieutenant governor in a special press briefing on Jan. 29, 2025.
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Tony Venhuizen as his lieutenant governor in a special press briefing on Jan. 29, 2025.
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Tony Venhuizen as his lieutenant governor in a special press briefing on Jan. 29, 2025.
Lori Walsh / SDPB
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— Tony Venhuizen
SDPB
