Governor Rhoden grew up as a rancher in Meade County and served in the South Dakota National Guard from 1978 to 1985. He has stated that said experience has prepared him to tackle the most pressing issue that South Dakotans face. Republican State Senator Helene Duhamel of district 32 in Rapid City gave her remarks while congratulating Rhoden.

Rhoden, previously the lieutenant governor of South Dakota under former Gov. Kristi Noem, officially succeeded to governor of South Dakota during a private swearing-in ceremony Monday. The new governor was joined by members of his family, Democrat and Republican leaders from both state chambers, and several prominent state leaders and employees.

Governor Rhoden has been sworn in as one of the state’s few West River governors in history. Senate Majority Whip Randy Deibert expressed optimism on having a leader from the area, saying leadership from West River has decreased from the past.

A new era begins for South Dakota today as Larry Rhoden took the oath of office to become the state’s 34th Governor.

Gov. Larry Rhoden received Kristi Noem's official resignation as South Dakota governor on Saturday as she joined the Trump administration.

Seven Democratic senators voted to confirm South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) as the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), allowing her to lead an agency that will be paramount to President Trump’s plan to crack down on illegal immigration during his second White House term.