Larry Rhoden to be Sworn In as 34thGovernor 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
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
.@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
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Johnson Applauds Noem’s Confirmation to Homeland Security
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) applauded the U.S. Senate’s quick confirmation of Governor Kristi Noem to be President Trump’s Secretary of Homeland Security. The Senate voted to secure her confirmation by a vote of 59-34.
“Kristi Noem has always been a leader who takes action, that’s why I’m happy she will officially be the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security,” said Johnson. “I’ve seen Kristi make good decisions in times of adversity and disaster, and I know she will continue to showcase her strong South Dakota work ethic in her new role.”
Governor Rhoden Receives Governor Noem’s Resignation Letter
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Larry Rhoden received Kristi Noem’s resignation as Governor and succeeded to the office of Governor of South Dakota. Larry Rhoden is now the 34th Governor of South Dakota pursuant to Article 4 Section 6 of the South Dakota Constitution. A photograph of Governor Rhoden can be found here.
This succession occurred immediately following the vote by the United States Senate to confirm Kristi Noem as Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security. You can find Noem’s resignation letter here.
Further details on the succession, including a swearing-in ceremony for Governor Rhoden, will be announced shortly.
The Senate on Saturday approved the nomination of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), putting her at the center of an administration focused heavily on immigration.
The 59-34 vote to confirm Noem capped off a relatively smooth process even as other nominees face more intense scrutiny.
The Sanctity of Life By Rep. Dusty Johnson January 24, 2025
BIG Update
Every year, thousands of babies are born alive after a failed attempted abortion, however, they don’t all receive care they need to survive. It’s truly tragic. This week, I voted to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to require health care practitioners who are present preserve the life and health of the child born. Every child deserves a chance at life.
I recently earned an A+ rating by Susan B. Anthony’s Pro-Life Scorecard for my votes and actions last Congress.
BIG Idea
For nearly 150 years, the Supreme Court has consisted of nine justices, but in recent years, the left has pushed for packing the court to add liberal justices under a Democrat president. I reintroduced my bill, “Keep the Nine,” which would amend the Constitution to state that only nine justices are to serve on the Supreme Court.
I’ve introduced this bill every Congress, and I hope that with a GOP trifecta we can get it done to protect the Supreme Court from being used as a tool in political fights. The Supreme Court is an essential part of America’s checks and balances. It must not be abused.
Click here or the image above for Johnson’s interview on Newsmax for Keep the Nine
BIG News
My bill, the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act passed the House. This is a big deal. More than 10,000 bills are introduced each Congress, and only a few hundred receive a vote on the House floor. This is an incredible accomplishment. My bill passed with unanimous support.
I’m grateful for the help of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe to craft this legislation. The bill would preserve a section of the land where hundreds of Lakota Indians were massacred by the U.S. Army. America isn’t perfect, and I’ll admit we’ve made some mistakes. The Wounded Knee bill seeks to right one of those wrongs by protecting the sanctity of this land to remember the lives lost.
I’m hopeful the Senate will consider this legislation soon.
Click here or the image above for Johnson’s remarks
