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

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden delivered his first joint address to the South Dakota Legislature as governor on Tuesday. His full speech is here:

There was a time when newly-sworn-in South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden was in awe to have had an interaction with the governor of South Dakota.

Rhoden is now the 34th Governor of South Dakota pursuant to Article 4 Section 6 of the South Dakota Constitution. Details on the succession and swearing-in ceremony have yet to be announced.

Governor Rhoden grew up as a rancher in Meade County and served in the South Dakota National Guard from 1978 to 1985. He has stated that said experience has prepared him to tackle the most pressing issue that South Dakotans face. Republican State Senator Helene Duhamel of district 32 in Rapid City gave her remarks while congratulating Rhoden.

Kristi Noem has resigned as governor of South Dakota after her confirmation by the U.S. Senate as Secretary of Homeland Security. Larry Rhoden is now governor of South Dakota. Noem was chosen by the president-elect to lead the department responsible for immigration and border-related actions that will be central to h…