South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden delivered his first joint address to the South Dakota Legislature as governor on Tuesday. His full speech is here:

House Lawmakers took their turns giving praise to their colleague who has spent over two decades in the political world.

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 is now the 34th Governor of South Dakota pursuant to Article 4 Section 6 of the South Dakota Constitution. Details on the succession and swearing-in ceremony have yet to be announced.

Rhoden emphasized that his leadership will focus on keeping South Dakota "strong, safe, and free." While not presenting a separate budget, he acknowledged concerns regarding certain aspects of the proposed budget and expressed intent to address those issues collaboratively.

Gov. Larry Rhoden announced state House Representative Tony Venhuizen from Sioux Falls as his Lieutenant Governor pick during a news conference Wednesday morning.

Rhoden, 65, served as the state's lieutenant governor of South Dakota from 2019 until Saturday when former Gov. Kristi Noem resigned the office after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Disagreement regarding carbon dioxide pipeline legislation for District 20's two members of the South Dakota House of Representatives was among the lead items from Friday's legislative forum hosted by the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce.

"We will miss Tony’s leadership in the House but are excited to work with him in his new role," writes first-term State Rep. Jeff Bathke.

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced changes to his staff in the Governor’s Office.