South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem gained significant recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, garnering interest from Republican circles regarding her future endeavors, alongside the release of two political memoirs within three years. Now, the state’s lawmakers are preparing for her potential successor, Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden, a rancher and specialty welder. They predict he will concentrate on local issues rather than seeking national attention.
Rhoden previously gained brief national notoriety in 2017 when he accidentally triggered a panic alert during a hearing, which he used to bolster his argument for gun rights within the Capitol. Currently, he is receiving accolades from both sides of the aisle as a conservative who prioritizes South Dakota’s matters and has a solid understanding of the state’s Republican-heavy Legislature.
Following an announcement from President-elect Donald Trump about nominating Noem, 52, for the role of U.S. homeland security secretary, Rhoden is set to ascend to the governorship if he is confirmed by the Senate. The timeline for this transition remains uncertain.
In Noem’s first memoir, she highlights how Rhoden mentored her after she secured a seat in the South Dakota House back in 2006, an event where he served as majority leader. Having spent 16 years in the Legislature, Noem characterized Rhoden as “direct and honest” when she selected him as her running mate for governor in 2018.
At 65, Rhoden is often depicted as a quintessential western South Dakota rancher. In his official photo, he is seen donning a leather jacket and cowboy hat, reflecting his life running a custom welding business that specializes in producing cattle brands. Republican state Representative Greg Jamison, hailing from Sioux Falls, spoke highly of Rhoden, asserting that he authentically represents South Dakota and projecting a favorable image of the state to outsiders.
Lawmakers do not anticipate significant policy changes under Rhoden’s leadership, as he embodies the socially conservative, limited-government Republican values that are prevalent in the region. However, they expect him to focus on state-level issues and avoid the national political stage, unlike Noem.
According to Jamison, Rhoden has always maintained a visible presence in South Dakota’s capital, Pierre. He remarked, “Larry is often seen in the hallways around the Capitol and at different events. I see him all the time socializing with everybody.” In contrast, he noted that Gov. Noem was less engaged in such activities.
Rhoden’s political journey includes time spent on the school board, followed by a successful run for the Legislature, where he steadily advanced through the ranks. Retiring state Senator Lee Schoenbeck, leading the GOP in the Senate, described Rhoden as an adept problem solver with strong ties to the state, stating, “His interests will all be within the (state’s) 605 area code.”
Hugh Bartels, the term-limited House Speaker, also agreed that Rhoden will introduce a new style of leadership reflective of his unique background. He mentioned, “I think there will be differences in style. They’re just different people.”
Attempts to reach Rhoden for comments were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Noem expressed her gratitude and honor over Trump’s selection in a post on social media, though she did not touch upon the upcoming transition in South Dakota.
Before Noem’s tenure, the most prominent South Dakota political figures were Democrats, such as former U.S. Senator George McGovern and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle. The last time a Democratic governor was elected in the state was 45 years ago, with the Republican Party maintaining a stronghold. With the conclusion of the latest elections, over 90% of state senators and 70% of state House representatives will comprise Republicans.
Despite the Republican dominance, challenges have emerged within the party. Hard-right members have clashed with Noem and other establishment Republicans over various contentious issues, including tax cuts, COVID-19 vaccine exemptions, transgender athletes, and landowners’ rights. The Freedom Caucus, which emerged in 2022 to propel the Legislature and Noem further to the right, is set to lead both chambers starting in January.
Political science expert Michael Card of the University of South Dakota suggested that had Noem not been nominated for the Cabinet role, the Freedom Caucus might have demanded more concessions. He also indicated that Rhoden may confront challenges stemming from his association with Noem.
Nevertheless, the general sentiment among lawmakers is positive regarding Rhoden’s capability to foster partnerships and bi-partisan cooperation. Republican state Representative Tony Venhuizen emphasized that building relationships has always been Rhoden’s strong suit.
Incoming House Minority Leader Erin Healy, a Democrat from Sioux Falls, welcomed the leadership change, noting that Rhoden has shown a commitment to collaboration. “I’m very optimistic that as governor he will foster an open, transparent dialogue with the Legislature,” she affirmed.