Larry Rhoden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Larry Rhoden
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Rhoden in 2025
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| 34th Governor of South Dakota | |
| Assumed office January 25, 2025 |
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| Lieutenant | Tony Venhuizen |
| Preceded by | Kristi Noem |
| 39th Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota | |
| In office January 5, 2019 – January 25, 2025 |
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| Governor | Kristi Noem |
| Preceded by | Matt Michels |
| Succeeded by | Tony Venhuizen |
| Secretary of Agriculture of South Dakota | |
| Acting May 8, 2020 – August 27, 2020 |
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| Governor | Kristi Noem |
| Preceded by | Kim Vanneman |
| Succeeded by | Hunter Roberts (Agriculture and Natural Resources) |
| Member of the South Dakota House of Representatives from the 29th district |
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| In office January 10, 2017 – January 5, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Dean Wink |
| Succeeded by | Kirk Chaffee |
| In office January 9, 2001 – January 13, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Kenneth McNenny |
| Succeeded by | Dean Wink |
| Member of the South Dakota Senate from the 29th district |
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| In office January 13, 2009 – January 13, 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Kenneth McNenny |
| Succeeded by | Gary Cammack |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 5, 1959 Sturgis, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Sandy Murphy
(m. 1981) |
| Children | 4 |
| Residence | South Dakota Governor's Residence |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1978–1985 |
| Unit | South Dakota National Guard |
Larry Rhoden was born on February 5, 1959. He is an American politician and businessman. Since January 2025, he has been serving as the 34th governor of South Dakota.
Rhoden is a member of the Republican Party. He served in the South Dakota House of Representatives from 2001 to 2009. Later, he was a member of the South Dakota Senate from 2009 to 2015 and again from 2017 to 2019. From 2019 to 2025, he was the 39th lieutenant governor of South Dakota. In January 2025, he became governor after Governor Kristi Noem resigned.
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Early Life and Background
Larry Rhoden grew up on a farm. He attended church and graduated from Sunshine Bible Academy in 1977. After high school, he joined the South Dakota National Guard. He served there from 1978 to 1985.
When his children were young, he was active in his community. He served as a church trustee and on the local school board. He also led the board of directors for the area Cenex.
Political Career
Rhoden served in the South Dakota House of Representatives from 2001 to 2008. For four of those years, he was the majority leader. After reaching his term limit, he was elected to the state senate.
In the state senate, Rhoden worked on important committees. These included the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the State Affairs Committee. He supported bills that allowed volunteers to carry weapons in schools. He also sponsored a finding about gun ownership rights.
Running for U.S. Senate in 2014
In 2014, Rhoden ran for the U.S. Senate. He described himself as a "conservative voice for limited government." He spoke about his views on various topics. These included opposing certain social issues and "career politicians."
Rhoden signed a promise to never raise taxes. He also supported stopping funding for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. In the primary election, he lost to Mike Rounds.
Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota (2019–2025)
Becoming Lieutenant Governor
On June 20, 2018, Kristi Noem, who was running for governor, announced Rhoden as her running mate. Noem said she wanted the lieutenant governor's role to be more traditional. She believed the governor should make certain decisions.
Time in Office
Rhoden officially became Lieutenant Governor on January 5, 2019. In May 2020, Governor Noem named him as the interim (temporary) Secretary of Agriculture. This role ended in August 2020. At that time, Noem combined the Department of Agriculture with another department.
In June 2020, Rhoden was chosen as one of South Dakota's three Republican presidential electors. This happened at the Republican State Convention.
Governor of South Dakota (2025–Present)
In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to nominate Kristi Noem for a federal position. After she was confirmed on January 25, 2025, she resigned as governor. Larry Rhoden was then sworn in as the new governor of South Dakota.
On January 29, Governor Rhoden chose Tony Venhuizen to be his lieutenant governor. The South Dakota Senate and South Dakota House of Representatives quickly approved Venhuizen. Early in his term, Governor Rhoden worked with the Interior Secretary to bring back the Mount Rushmore fireworks show in 2026.
Personal Life
Larry Rhoden lives in Union Center, South Dakota. He is married to Sandy, and they have four children. They also have seven grandchildren. Rhoden is a rancher by profession. He owns and runs a cow-calf operation and a custom welding business.
See also
In Spanish: Larry Rhoden para niños
