Author: @SoDakCampaigns

Rounds to Chair Armed Services Cybersecurity Subcommittee in 119th Congress

Rounds has served as the top Republican on the Subcommittee since it was founded in 2017 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today announced he will once again serve as Chairman of the SASC Subcommittee on Cybersecurity during the 119th Congress.

“I am honored to once again lead the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,” said Rounds. “Our armed services defend our nation in five domains: air, land, sea, space and cyberspace. As cyber technology has rapidly evolved in recent years, our need to effectively use it for our national defense is more important than ever. We must make certain the Department of Defense has the personnel and tools to respond swiftly and decisively to cyberattacks as well as the ability to conduct offensive cyber operations when the situation dictates. I look forward to working with my colleagues and members of President Trump’s administration to continue our progress in bolstering the cyber capabilities of the Department of Defense.”

Rounds has been the top Republican on the Cybersecurity Subcommittee since it was formed in 2017, serving as Chairman during the 115th and 116th Congresses and Ranking Member during the 117th and 118th Congresses. The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity was first established by the late Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), who also served as Chairman of SASC.

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Governor Rhoden Announces Staff Changes

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced changes to his staff in the Governor’s Office. You can find Governor Rhoden’s staff page here.

“My team is ready to hit the ground running. After careful consideration, I am retaining the vast majority of the current staff and cabinet. They are hard-working folks who are focused on South Dakota,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “However, I am also making some changes.”

Mackenzie Decker will serve as the Governor’s Chief of Staff. Mackenzie has worked for state government for 12 years, joining the Governor’s office over two years ago. She has worked for several state agencies including the Department of Labor and Regulation, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and the Department of Revenue. She graduated from South Dakota State University and earned her master’s in administration and organizational leadership from the University of South Dakota. 

Matt Michels will serve as Senior Advisor and Counsel to the Governor. Michels previously served as the 38^th Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota from 2011 to 2019 under Governor Dennis Daugaard. He was a Member of the South Dakota House of Representatives from 1999-2007, including Speaker of the House from 2003 to 2007. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Dakota (USD) and a Juris Doctorate from the USD School of Law. 

“Mackenzie Decker has proven her tenacity as a leader in the office and will thrive as my Chief of Staff. And I am honored to have a strong advisor like Matt Michels joining our team,” continued Governor Rhoden. We are ready to get to work to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.” 

Ian Fury will continue in the role of Director of Communications and Unborn Child Advocate, though he will not serve as the Governor’s media spokesperson. A spokesperson has been hired and will be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, please direct media inquiries to Mackenzie Decker at Mackenzie.Decker@state.sd.us. 

Darin Seeley will continue his leadership as Commissioner of the Bureau of Human Resources and Administration. He will no longer serve as Chief Operations Officer in the Governor’s Office. 

Beth Hollatz, who served as Senior Advisor for Governor Kristi Noem, will retire from state government service on February 1. Beth had previously worked with then-Congresswoman Noem for eight years. 

Governor Rhoden has made a few other adjustments to staff responsibilities in the Governor’s Office, ensuring an exceptional team is in place to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free. Scheduling requests for Governor Rhoden can also be submitted on the Governor’s website. 

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Attorney General Jackley Announces Ex-State Employee Pleads Guilty, is Sentenced For Using Family-Use Voucher for Personal Use

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a former South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) employee was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to using a DSS grocery voucher, intended for families in need, for personal use.

Amalia Escalante Barrientos, 28, of Brookings pleaded guilty Monday in Brookings County Circuit County to one misdemeanor count of Obtaining Money, Property or Assistance by Fraud from Social Services or Related Programs. She was then sentenced to 180 days in jail, all suspended; a $400 fine, $96.50 in court costs, and $449.98 in restitution

“This is another example of an individual using their power to abuse their position for personal gain, hurting those in need and the reputation of hard-working state employees,” said Attorney General Jackley. “The Attorney General’s Office will continue to investigate and prosecute cases to regain the public’s trust in state government.”

An investigation by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) found that the defendant had used the voucher, which is provided by DSS to families the department works with, to purchase groceries for her own personal use. The incident occurred at a Brookings business on Oct. 11, 2024.

The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) investigated the case and the Attorney General’s Office prosecuted the case.

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State Representative Will Mortenson had some comments after what he remarked was the largest crowd he’d seen in a crackerbarrel in over 5 years in Highmore, SD. And he’s indicating they spoke with a singular voice to demand “No Vouchers!”

Mortenson also remarked that the public is fired up to protect their schools and students.

Larry Rhoden to be Sworn In as 34^thGovernor of South Dakota

Larry Rhoden announced his plans to be sworn in as the 34th Governor of South Dakota. The oath of office will be administered on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 11:00 am CT/10:00 am MT by Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen in the Governor’s Office. The brief ceremony will be open to the press.

 A larger, public swearing-in ceremony will be held on February 8, 2025, in the State Capitol Rotunda. That ceremony will be open to the public and will be followed with a Capitol Ball that evening in the State Capitol Rotunda.

With Governor Noem’s resignation, and Larry Rhoden preparing for being sworn in, the biggest question remaining is who will he pick as lieutenant governor?

There are lots of names being floated around, but the top three I keep hearing over and over are State Representative Tony Venhuizen, former lieutenant governor Matt Michels, and former State Representative/Sioux Falls City Council member Christine Erickson.

The pick may come from this group, as they all offer certain skills and advantages, or it may be none of the above.

Who will the next lieutenant governor be? You may start your speculation …now!

There are so many congratulations being offered today to Kristi Noem for her confirmation to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, it’s hard to keep up with them all, but I will try to flag a few of them for you:

Congratulations to fellow South Dakotan @KristiNoem on being confirmed as secretary of Homeland Security. I know she’s ready to get to work for President Trump and the American people. pic.twitter.com/zH2NqoldEG

— Leader John Thune (@LeaderJohnThune) January 25, 2025

South Dakota is punching above its weight, a true testament to our people. Best wishes to Kristi Noem in her new role as Secretary of Homeland Security. pic.twitter.com/CktiRaSm9R

— Senator Mike Rounds (@SenatorRounds) January 25, 2025

.@KristiNoem has been a great friend to Sioux Falls and to me personally. I wish her all the best as she leads the Department of Homeland Security in the important work that lies ahead for our country. pic.twitter.com/yaQEpVx6Os

— Paul TenHaken (@paultenhaken) January 25, 2025

🇺🇸@KristiNoem‘s confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security underscores President Trump’s commitment to strengthening our nation’s security.

America is BACK. pic.twitter.com/1vret7C9sM

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 25, 2025

Kristi Noem is going to be an INCREDIBLE leader for our DHS.

After four years of the WORST Secretary in American history, she’s got plenty of work cut out for her… but I’ve got no doubt she will quickly turn the situation around.

I’m excited to work with her in making our… pic.twitter.com/QyFUAM2rNk

— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) January 25, 2025

In a year end report that is being filed through his state political action committee, Congressman Dusty Johnson is reporting that through Dusty PAC, that this branch of his campaign effort put nearly $50k into the campaign against Amendment G in the last few weeks of October.

The PAC will be reporting $41.5k spent on a mailer in opposition to the Amendment, and nearly $6.3k on radio.

Congressman Johnson is considered a strong pro-life advocate, with high ratings from groups, including an A+ from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.

Governor Rhoden Sheds Light on Transition Preparations

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden shed light on his preparations to assume office as the 34th Governor of South Dakota.

“Until now, I have kept my extensive preparations for this succession to myself. I would have loved to have spoken openly sooner, but the time was not yet appropriate,” said Governor Rhoden. “South Dakotans should rest assured that I’m ready to serve as your Governor.”

Succession planning began shortly after President Trump announced his nomination of Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in November. Rhoden held months of briefings and meetings with Noem and a number of current and former state officials and friends. Cabinet and staff fully cooperated with Rhoden’s preparation efforts.

A photograph of Governor Rhoden can be found here.

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Attorney General Jackley Statement on U.S. Senate Confirmation Of Gov. Kristi Noem and New Governor Larry Rhoden

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley’s statement on Saturday’s U.S. Senate confirmation of Gov. Kristi Noem to be U.S. Homeland Security Director and Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden becoming South Dakota’s newest Governor:

“Congratulations to Gov. Kristi Noem on being confirmed as Homeland Security Director. She understands the need to keep America safe, address immigration, and secure the southern border to keep dangerous drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine from entering states. We look forward to working with her in her new position.

“Congratulations to South Dakota’s new Governor Larry Rhoden. I have known Larry since he welded our ranch branding irons more than a quarter of a century ago, and I have appreciated serving with him during the years.  As Attorney General, I look forward to continuing to work with him to make our State the best in the Nation.”

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