If you haven't been keeping a close eye on the Mount Rushmore State lately, you might still have Kristi Noem’s name stuck in your head. It makes sense. She was a national fixture for years. But honestly, things changed in a big way at the start of 2025.
Larry Rhoden is South Dakota's governor now.
He isn't just a placeholder or a name on a door. He is the 34th person to hold the office, stepping up from his role as Lieutenant Governor in January 2025. This happened after Noem resigned to take a seat in the second Trump administration as the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.
It’s a bit of a shift for the state. While Noem often leaned into the national spotlight, Rhoden is, basically, a rancher from West River who prefers a "boots-on-the-ground" style.
Who Is Larry Rhoden?
Rhoden isn't some career politician who spent his life in a suit. He’s a lifelong rancher from the Sturgis area. You’ve probably heard of Sturgis because of the bike rally, but for Rhoden, it’s home.
He grew up attending Sunshine Bible Academy and later served six years in the South Dakota National Guard. That military background sort of defines his approach to leadership—disciplined but focused on service.
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Before he was the guy in the Governor’s mansion, he spent years in the state legislature. He was the House Majority Leader. He chaired the Senate State Affairs Committee. He even did a stint as the Interim Secretary of Agriculture back in 2020.
Basically, he knows how the gears of Pierre (the state capital, for those wondering) actually turn.
The 2025 Transition and Beyond
When Noem headed to D.C., Rhoden didn't just inherit her desk; he inherited her term, which runs through early 2027.
Since taking over, he’s been trying to put his own stamp on the state. For example, just this week—January 15, 2026—he signed Executive Order 2026-03. This order puts "guardrails" on the Future Fund. That's a big deal in South Dakota politics because that fund is used for economic development. He’s basically saying, "We’re going to grow, but we’re going to be transparent about how we spend your money."
He also tapped Tony Venhuizen to be his Lieutenant Governor. Venhuizen is a known entity in South Dakota, having served as a top advisor to former governors like Dennis Daugaard. It was a move that signaled stability.
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Key Policy Moves Under Rhoden
- Infrastructure: He recently pre-filed SB 76, a bill aimed at expanding the Sioux Falls and Rapid City airports.
- Agriculture: Given his background, he’s been obsessed with "Keep Farmers Farming," recently securing grants for estate planning for producers.
- Rural Health: In late 2025, his administration announced $189.4 million in federal funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program.
The 2026 Election: Is He Staying?
This is where it gets interesting. Rhoden isn't just finishing out Noem's term and riding off into the sunset.
He’s running.
The 2026 South Dakota gubernatorial election is already heating up. Rhoden officially launched his reelection bid in November 2025 at the Alex Johnson Hotel in Rapid City. But he’s got competition. Congressman Dusty Johnson is also in the race.
Dusty Johnson is a heavy hitter. He’s been South Dakota’s lone U.S. Representative since 2019 and has a massive war chest.
Then there’s Toby Doeden, a retail and real estate executive from Aberdeen who is running as a bit of an outsider, and Jon Hansen, the Speaker of the South Dakota House.
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It’s going to be a crowded Republican primary on June 2, 2026.
Why This Matters for You
If you live in South Dakota, Rhoden’s "collaborative and civility-minded style" (his words from his first State of the State address) is a departure from the high-octane political battles of the previous years. He’s trying to reset relations with the state’s nine Native American tribes and the press.
If you’re just visiting or looking at the state for business, Rhoden is the gatekeeper. He’s the one deciding on tax incentives and property tax reforms.
Honestly, the "who is South Dakota's governor" question is about more than a name. It's about a shift in tone. We went from a national political star to a guy who still does custom welding on his ranch when he has a free weekend.
What to Watch Next
- The June Primary: This will decide if Rhoden stays the face of the SD GOP or if Dusty Johnson takes the mantle.
- Property Tax Reform: This is the "third rail" of South Dakota politics right now. Watch how Rhoden handles the pressure from Doeden and others to slash these taxes.
- The Future Fund: Now that Rhoden has set his "guardrails," keep an eye on where that money actually goes in 2026.
If you want to keep up with what's happening in Pierre, the official Governor's website is the best place for daily updates on executive orders and legislative moves. You can also follow local outlets like South Dakota Searchlight or the Sioux Falls Argus Leader to see how the 2026 campaign trail is actually playing out on the ground.
The political landscape is moving fast. Keeping an eye on the primary polls over the next few months will give you the best hint at whether Rhoden’s "rancher-statesman" vibe is what South Dakotans really want for the long haul.