Larry Rhoden replaces outgoing Kristi Noem as Governor of South Dakota

Thursday, January 30, 2025

On Monday, Larry Rhoden was sworn in as Governor of South Dakota, a state in the United States. He replaced fellow Republican Kristi Noem, who resigned as governor following her confirmation by the United States Senate to serve as Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security, with Rhoden immediately succeeding her. A private ceremony took place in the Governor’s Large Conference Room in Pierre, South Dakota. A larger, public ceremony is scheduled for February 8 at the State Capitol Rotunda.

South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Steven Jensen officiated the ceremony, for which Rhoden’s family was present. This made Larry Rhoden the 34th Governor of South Dakota. Rhoden swore his oath on two Bibles, one that had belonged to his mother and another that his father had carried during World War II.

Rhoden has previously served as Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota under Noem. He was sworn in without first winning an election, which has happened only three times in the history of South Dakota. A large majority of the state’s governors have won a gubernatorial election in South Dakota.

According to Keloland Media Group (KELO-TV), plans for the succession were reportedly in the works ever since President Trump announced his nomination of Noem.

Rhoden has not yet announced whom he will nominate to fill the now-vacant post of Lieutenant Governor.