Larry Rhoden

Larry Rhoden
Born	Larry Robert Rhoden 2/5/1959
Birthplace	Sturgis, South Dakota, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician, rancher, businessman
Known for	34th Governor of South Dakota
Children	4
Website	https://governor.sd.gov/governor/about.aspx

Larry Robert Rhoden (born February 5, 1959) is an American politician, rancher, and businessman serving as the 34th governor of South Dakota since January 25, 2025. A member of the Republican Party, Rhoden ascended to the governorship upon the resignation of Kristi Noem, who left office to serve as United States Secretary of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump. Before becoming governor, Rhoden built a lengthy career in South Dakota state politics, serving in both chambers of the state legislature over a span of nearly two decades and as the state's 39th lieutenant governor from 2019 to 2025. A cattle rancher from the western part of the state, Rhoden has been a consistent voice for conservative policy positions, particularly on issues relating to agriculture, property rights, and limited government. His 2014 campaign for the United States Senate, in which he lost the Republican primary to Mike Rounds, raised his statewide profile and positioned him for his eventual selection as Kristi Noem's running mate in the 2018 gubernatorial election. As governor, Rhoden has signed legislation addressing property taxes, tribal law enforcement recognition, and agricultural regulation, while simultaneously facing a competitive Republican primary challenge in the 2026 gubernatorial election from U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson.

Early Life

Larry Robert Rhoden was born on February 5, 1959, in Sturgis, South Dakota, a small city in the western part of the state located in Meade County near the Black Hills. He grew up in the ranching culture of western South Dakota, an experience that shaped his political outlook and professional life. Rhoden became a cattle rancher, an occupation he maintained throughout his career in public service.

After high school, Rhoden enlisted in the South Dakota National Guard, where he served from 1978 to 1985. His military service represented a formative period and would later feature prominently in his political biography as a demonstration of his commitment to public service.

Rhoden settled in the Union Center area of Meade County, where he operated his ranching business. The 29th legislative district, which he would later represent for many years in the state legislature, encompassed a large swath of western South Dakota, including portions of the sparsely populated ranch country that defined the region's economy and character.

Career

South Dakota House of Representatives (2001–2009)

Rhoden entered electoral politics at the turn of the 21st century, winning election to the South Dakota House of Representatives from the 29th district. He took office on January 10, 2001, succeeding Kenneth McNenny. He represented the 29th district in the House for four terms, serving through January 13, 2009. During his tenure in the House, Rhoden focused on issues of importance to his rural constituents, including agriculture, land use, and property rights.

The 29th district, covering a large geographic area in western South Dakota, was a reliably Republican constituency, and Rhoden built a reputation as a conservative legislator during his eight years in the House. His successor in the House seat was Dean Wink.

South Dakota Senate (2009–2015)

In 2008, Rhoden transitioned from the House to the South Dakota Senate, again representing the 29th district. He succeeded Kenneth McNenny in the Senate and took office on January 13, 2009. As a state senator, Rhoden continued to advocate for conservative positions on fiscal policy, agriculture, and gun rights. He served in the Senate through January 13, 2015, when he was succeeded by Gary Cammack.

During his time in the Senate, Rhoden established himself as one of the more conservative members of the Republican caucus. In an interview with the Argus Leader, Rhoden described his political philosophy in terms of holding firm to conservative principles, stating that elected officials should "stand by your position."

2014 United States Senate Campaign

In 2013, Rhoden launched a campaign for the United States Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Tim Johnson. He entered the Republican primary as a conservative alternative to former Governor Mike Rounds, who was considered the frontrunner for the nomination.

Rhoden struck a distinctly conservative tone in his campaign kickoff, positioning himself to the right of Rounds on a number of issues. In media coverage of the race, Rhoden was described as taking a "hard line" that aligned with the political right, distinguishing himself from Rounds on matters such as federal spending, the Affordable Care Act, and the role of the federal government.

The 2014 Republican Senate primary also attracted attention in national media, with Slate magazine noting the challenge Rounds faced from Tea Party–aligned candidates in the race.

Despite his efforts to consolidate conservative support, Rhoden was ultimately unsuccessful in the primary. Mike Rounds won the Republican nomination and went on to win the general election. Rhoden's candidacy nonetheless raised his statewide profile significantly, introducing him to voters beyond his western South Dakota base and establishing relationships with Republican activists and donors across the state.

Return to the South Dakota Senate (2017–2019)

After his Senate primary loss, Rhoden returned to state-level politics. He won election again to the South Dakota Senate from the 29th district, taking office on January 10, 2017, succeeding Dean Wink. His second stint in the Senate was relatively brief, lasting approximately two years until January 5, 2019, when he departed to assume the lieutenant governorship. He was succeeded in the Senate by Kirk Chaffee.

Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota (2019–2025)

In 2018, Kristi Noem, who was then serving as South Dakota's lone member of the U.S. House of Representatives, selected Rhoden as her running mate in the gubernatorial election. Noem discussed her selection process in an interview with SDPB, explaining her reasoning for choosing Rhoden as her lieutenant governor candidate. Rhoden's selection was formally ratified at the South Dakota Republican convention.

The Noem-Rhoden ticket won the 2018 general election, and Rhoden was inaugurated as the 39th lieutenant governor of South Dakota on January 5, 2019, succeeding Matt Michels. In the role, Rhoden served as president of the South Dakota Senate and was first in the line of succession to the governorship.

During his tenure as lieutenant governor, Rhoden took on additional responsibilities. In May 2020, Governor Noem appointed Rhoden as acting Secretary of Agriculture of South Dakota, a position he held from May 8, 2020, to August 27, 2020. He succeeded Kim Vanneman in the role and was followed by Hunter Roberts, who led the reorganized Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The Noem-Rhoden ticket won reelection in 2022, and Rhoden continued serving as lieutenant governor into the second term. His role expanded during this period as he managed state affairs during Governor Noem's frequent out-of-state travel.

Governor of South Dakota (2025–present)

On January 25, 2025, Rhoden became the 34th governor of South Dakota following the resignation of Kristi Noem, who departed to serve as United States Secretary of Homeland Security in the administration of President Donald Trump. Tony Venhuizen became lieutenant governor following Rhoden's ascension to the governorship.

As governor, Rhoden moved quickly to establish his own policy agenda while building on the priorities of the Noem administration. His early tenure has been marked by several significant legislative actions.

Property Tax Reform

In March 2026, Governor Rhoden announced plans to sign what his office described as the largest property tax cut in South Dakota history. The legislation, which cleared both chambers of the state legislature, represented a major initiative of the Rhoden administration aimed at addressing the rising cost of property ownership across the state.

Agricultural Policy

Drawing on his background as a cattle rancher and former acting Secretary of Agriculture, Rhoden has been active on agricultural policy. In March 2026, he signed a bill establishing a moratorium on cell-cultured protein, which he characterized as a compromise measure. The legislation reflected ongoing national debates about the regulation of lab-grown meat products and their relationship to traditional livestock agriculture.

Tribal Law Enforcement

In March 2026, Rhoden signed legislation to recognize tribal police officers in South Dakota as law enforcement officers under state law when assisting state or local counterparts. The bill, set to take effect on July 1, 2026, addressed a longstanding gap in the legal framework governing cooperation between tribal and state law enforcement agencies.

Education Policy

A bill addressing school lunch costs for South Dakota families was sent to Governor Rhoden for consideration in March 2026. The legislation, which passed both chambers of the legislature, aimed to help families cover reduced-price school meals.

2026 Gubernatorial Campaign

Rhoden announced his candidacy for a full term as governor in the 2026 election. However, his campaign has faced a significant challenge from U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson, who entered the Republican primary. An Emerson College Polling/KELO-TV survey released in March 2026 showed Johnson leading Rhoden among likely Republican primary voters, representing a notable setback for the incumbent governor. The Republican primary is scheduled for June 2026.

Personal Life

Rhoden resides at the Governor's Residence in Pierre, South Dakota. He has four children. Before entering politics full-time, Rhoden operated a cattle ranching business in the Union Center area of western South Dakota, in Meade County near Sturgis, where he was born.

Rhoden served in the South Dakota National Guard from 1978 to 1985. His military service and ranching background have been consistent themes throughout his political career, reflecting the rural, western South Dakota identity that has defined his public persona.

Rhoden is a member of the Republican Party and has maintained a consistently conservative political philosophy throughout his career. His positions have emphasized limited government, fiscal conservatism, support for agriculture, and Second Amendment rights.

Recognition

As governor, Rhoden holds the highest elected office in the state of South Dakota. His long career in state politics, spanning more than two decades in the legislature and executive branch, has made him one of the more experienced public officials in the state's recent history.

Rhoden's appointment as acting Secretary of Agriculture in 2020 reflected the trust placed in him by Governor Noem to manage a critical state agency during a period of transition. His selection as lieutenant governor in 2018 was itself a recognition of his standing within the South Dakota Republican Party and his appeal to the party's conservative base, particularly in the western part of the state.

His early tenure as governor has been defined by a focus on legislation affecting property taxes, agriculture, law enforcement, and education — issues that reflect the priorities of rural South Dakota communities. The property tax reform package he signed in March 2026 was described by his office as the largest such reduction in state history.