Lt. Governor Venhuizen to Serve as Rhoden for Governor Campaign Chair
Pierre, SD – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen will serve as Campaign Chairman of Rhoden for Governor for the historic 2026 run-off election.
Lt. Governor Venhuizen will take a leave of absence from most policy responsibilities in the Governor’s Office.
“One of the best decisions I made was picking Tony to be my running mate,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “When we need a leader to help lead a team, he gets it done. Now, I’m asking him to step up in this campaign capacity to help us deliver a win in this campaign and keep South Dakota Open for Opportunity.”
Tony Venhuizen serves as the 40th Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota. Venhuizen 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. He represented District 13, which includes portions of Lincoln and Minnehaha counties, in the South Dakota State Legislature from 2023-2025, including as vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee. In addition to his legislative service, Venhuizen served for ten years in the Governor’s Office, including time as chief of staff to Governor Dennis Daugaard and Governor Kristi Noem.
“Governor Rhoden has trusted me in a number of leadership capacities, and I’ve been honored to help him deliver results in those roles,” said Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen. “I’ve ran and won gubernatorial campaigns before, and I look forward to bringing that same experience to help Governor Rhoden keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.”
Ian Fury will continue in the role of Campaign Manager, and he and Lt. Governor Venhuizen will share leadership responsibilities for the Rhoden for Governor campaign.
“Our team in the primary was small but mighty – only three paid staff,” said Ian Fury, Campaign Manager at Rhoden for Governor. “Tony was a huge help advising me all along, and I’m thrilled to have someone with his skills and experience now formally serving this campaign.”
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 gubernatorial runoff is July 28, 2026.
Learn more about the Rhoden for Governor campaign at [GovernorLarryRhoden.com]GovernorLarryRhoden.com.
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The runoff gives voters a serious choice:
1. Very Bad or
2. Much Worse
Another yawn from Team Rhoden
Interesting. Given the showing in Minnehaha County, one might have concluded that there was serious consideration to throwing dead weight overboard.