Rhoden could be ‘steady hand’ if Noem joins Trump Cabinet

Date:

BY STU WHITNEY
South Dakota News Watch

There will be lots of history made if South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is confirmed as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, as multiple national outlets reported Tuesday.

man at podium speaking with woman standing behind him
South Dakota Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden, speaking March 13, 2024, at a town hall meeting in Mitchell, S.D., will become South Dakota's 34th governor if Kristi Noem is confirmed as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in Donald Trump’s administration. (Photo: Stu Whitney / Argus Leader)

Noem, in her second term as Republican governor, would become the first South Dakotan to serve as a president’s Cabinet secretary, extending an alliance with Trump that first developed during her time in Congress.

It would also be the first time a South Dakota governor hands over the reins of power during a legislative session, assuming Noem waits to resign until she is confirmed by the U.S. Senate, a process set for January at the earliest.

That puts the focus on Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden, a 65-year-old Meade County rancher and legislative veteran who would be thrust into the spotlight as the state’s 34th governor.

Rhoden would also preside over a consequential 2025 legislative session fraught with budgetary battles and Republican infighting, all while potentially preparing for a 2026 gubernatorial election in which he would be the incumbent candidate.

“Having a changeover happen during the legislative session would be a first,” said Rep. Tony Venhuizen, R-Sioux Falls, Noem’s former chief of staff and a curator of South Dakota gubernatorial history.

WANT TO SEE MORE?

More article below - Read with a mailed subscription or full on-line subscription!

Your financial support of this locally-owned, locally-run newspaper and its advertisers ensures we can continue bringing you great content. Thank you for your support!

MAIL SUBSCRIBERS: Register to receive full access to archives, past issues, extra photos, and more. (Allow up to 3 business days for full activation.) On a recurring subscription? You likely already have an account!

Already have an account? Log In:

This story was produced by South Dakota News Watch, an independent, nonprofit news organization. Read more in-depth stories at sdnewswatch.org and sign up for an email every few days to get stories as soon as they're published. Contact investigative reporter Stu Whitney at .

Share post:

spot_img

Related articles

Federal cuts roundup: The impact on South Dakota

Bart Pfankuch and Stu Whitney South Dakota News Watch President Donald Trump has wasted little time fufilling a campaign promise...

Mount Rushmore fireworks to return next year, mixing a spectacle with fire risks and other problems

By Seth Tupper, SD Searchlight Mount Rushmore will host an Independence Day-themed fireworks display next year, bringing worldwide attention to...

Billions of dollars at stake for farmers hit by Trump funding freeze, pause on foreign aid

By Allison Winter, South Dakota Searchlight WASHINGTON — Farmers across the United States are finding themselves in precarious economic positions,...

New SD Governor Larry Rhoden says immediate focus is getting to work, not his political future

By Joshua Haiar, South Dakota Searchlight PIERRE — New South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden deflected questions about his political future...

Log In

Latest articles

Three will compete for two seats on the Garretson School Board

With a joint city of Garretson and Garretson School Board election coming up on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025...

Open fire burn ban now in effect for rural Minnehaha County

By Dave Baumeister County Correspondent SIOUX FALLS – Due to severe dry conditions, Minnehaha County Commissioners voted unanimously to immediately...

Oh, what a Birthday Weekend!

submitted by Sam Williamson On March 18, Joan Engebretson celebrated her 93rd birthday. The weekend before, friends and family...

FFA qualifies 27 for State CDEs

by Brielle Weir, GHS Blue Ink FFA career development event (CDE) contests just began at the beginning of the...

Burn Ban in effect, dry conditions continue

Ban prompted by several area fires, including Garretson On Tuesday, Minnehaha County Emergency Management placed a burn ban county-wide...

From the Desk of the Mayor 

I wanted to get this out before April so that I could cover a number of things happening...
s2Member®