Gov. Rhoden Selects Tony Venhuizen as Lt. Governor
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced Tony Venhuizen as his selection for the 40th Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota. A photograph of Tony Venhuizen can be found here.
“Tony is a problem solver for the people of South Dakota,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “He is never shy to show leadership and take on challenging issues. He may know more about South Dakota’s history than anyone I’ve ever met. And he uses that knowledge to help shape where our state is heading in the future.”
Tony Venhuizen served since 2023 as a state representative from District 13 and as Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He also chaired the State Legislature’s 100th Session Planning Committee in 2024. He resigned his seat in the legislature this morning. You can find his resignation letter here.
“I want to thank Governor Rhoden for his confidence in me,” said Tony Venhuizen. “It will be a great honor to serve the people of South Dakota as lieutenant governor. I look forward to helping Governor Rhoden keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.”
Venhuizen served for ten years in the Governor’s Office, including time as chief of staff to Governor Dennis Daugaard and Governor Kristi Noem. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and history from South Dakota State University in 2005 and his juris doctorate from the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law in 2008.
“We had many excellent applicants for this position,” continued Governor Rhoden. “I had the luxury of countless incredible candidates, and I selected one who is the best fit for such a time as this.”
Pursuant to Article 4 Section 6 of the South Dakota Constitution, Venhuizen “shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of all the members of each house of the Legislature.”
Venhuizen is president of the board of directors of the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation. He is a member of the board of directors of the Trail of Governors Foundation and of the SDSU Research Park, and a former member of the board of directors of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Tony and his wife, Sara, 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. A photo of the family can be found here.
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Looks like Larry isn’t running in 2026.
Did Larry just fold his hand?
I have high hopes for the new LT.
Thanks to him for stepping up for South Dakota!
Sincerely,
John Dale
Figures, a Neocon, knew it.tr legislature can vote ti not accep5 hum.
Ya’ll talk about who’s got the money, who’s got the connections, who has the East River votes, but does anyone ever consider that this is isn’t Thune, or Rounds, or Noem,? We’re talking about Larry Rhoden, a country man who understands duty and honor. He’s done very well in politics but at no point has he become a politician. He’s not thinking about someone to bring in campaign funds or protect his position in the office God put him in, he’s thinking about who deserves the LT position most. Tony is by far the most capable hand, and by far the most deserving of the honor for the work he has accomplished. He might not win if he runs in 2 years, but at least we’ll have enjoyed two years of being Governed by a man who never sold his values.