Lawmakers look forward to Rhoden, speculate about his lieutenant governor pick

Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden listens to Gov. Kristi Noem during her 2023 budget address on the House floor of the South Dakota Capitol on Dec. 5, 2023. (Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight)

State lawmakers from across the political spectrum are expressing confidence in Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden while he prepares to potentially succeed Gov. Kristi Noem early next year. They’re also wondering who Rhoden might choose as his own lieutenant governor.

Meanwhile, Rhoden himself has said little publicly, except to provide a statement congratulating Noem on her recent nomination by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The nomination won’t officially be sent to the U.S. Senate until Trump takes office in January, the same month South Dakota’s Legislature will convene for its annual lawmaking session in Pierre.

State Senator-elect Jamie Smith, D-Sioux Falls, served previously in the Legislature and ran against Noem for governor in 2018. 

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“I’ve always had a good working relationship with the lieutenant governor,” Smith said. “I believe this change creates new opportunities to work together for the betterment of South Dakota.”

House Speaker Pro Tempore Karla Lems, R-Canton, believes legislative priorities will remain consistent regardless of who is governor.

“It will not change much in terms of bills proposed,” she said. “I believe the current legislators will strive to work with Lieutenant Governor Rhoden to accomplish legislation on behalf of the people of South Dakota.”

If Rhoden becomes governor, he’ll have to appoint a new lieutenant governor. And one of the lieutenant governor’s roles is serving as president of the state Senate. 

Sen. Randy Deibert, R-Spearfish, said it will be important to have a lieutenant governor with substantial legislative experience. 

“If that’s going to happen, we should get that appointment made as soon as possible, so we can hit the ground running,” Deibert said. “With a significant number of new senators and a fresh leadership team, strong guidance from an experienced Senate president will be crucial.”

Rhoden has not said whether he will run for governor in 2026. 

Sen. Casey Crabtree, R-Madison, was president pro tempore of the Senate for the last Legislature. He said Rhoden’s lieutenant governor will likely be someone familiar with the Senate’s workings, capable of aiding in governance, and strategic on the campaign trail for a potential 2026 gubernatorial run. 

“Rhoden’s team would likely want someone strong along the I-29 corridor given he already has West River credentials,” Crabtree said. 

The transition may lead to a shift in style in the governor’s office. Noem is nationally known and has spent significant time outside the state campaigning for Trump and other Republican candidates. Crabtree highlighted Rhoden’s 16 years as a legislator and described him as a leader focused on “the nuts and bolts” of government.

Rhoden is a lifelong rancher and a custom welder from rural Union Center in western South Dakota. He is married to Sandy Rhoden, and they have four sons and six grandchildren.

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