Gov. Rhoden Formally Announces Tony Venhuizen as Running Mate
Pierre, SD – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden formally filed the paperwork to officially make Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen his running mate in the 2026 general election.
“Tony and I have been a team since day one – his status as my running mate has never been in question. We’ve accomplished a tremendous amount in our first 18 months in office, and Tony gets much of the credit for many of our biggest accomplishments,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Now that we’ve officially secured the nomination, the time is appropriate to jump through the hoops so that he can remain South Dakota’s Lieutenant Governor.”
Lt. Governor Venhuizen has been serving as South Dakota’s 40th Lieutenant Governor since he was appointed by Governor Rhoden and unanimously confirmed by both chambers of the South Dakota Legislature in late January 2025.
“It is an honor to officially join Governor Rhoden’s ticket,” said Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen. “We have a great team, and I am excited to continue to work for conservative, responsible government on behalf of the people of South Dakota.”
The announcement comes on the heels of Governor Rhoden’s historic runoff victory, which officially made him the Republican nominee for Governor.
Lt. Governor Venhuizen has led several key efforts for the Rhoden Venhuizen Administration, including serving as Chairman of the prison task force, the GRIT task force, and the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force. Before being confirmed as Lieutenant Governor, he served as a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives for District 13, and in that capacity he also served as Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
Venhuizen has previously served on the South Dakota Board of Regents and as Chief of Staff to both Governor Dennis Daugaard and Governor Kristi Noem.
Venhuizen and his wife, Sara, have been married for more than 20 years and have three school-age children: Henry, Elizabeth, and Madeleine. Sara is an electrical engineer and a distinguished alumna of South Dakota State University. The family attends Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sioux Falls.
The general election is November 3, 2026. Learn more about the Rhoden-Venhuizen Administration’s results to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free at RhodenResults.com.