Larry Rhoden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Larry Rhoden
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Rhoden in 2019
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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 (born February 5, 1959) is an American politician and businessman. Since January 2025, he has been serving as the 34th governor of South Dakota.
He is a member of the Republican Party. Before becoming governor, Rhoden held several important roles in South Dakota. He was a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives from 2001 to 2009. He also served in 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 2014, he ran for the U.S. Senate but did not win the primary election. He became governor in January 2025 after Governor Kristi Noem resigned.
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Early Life and Education
Larry Rhoden was born on February 5, 1959. He grew up on a farm in South Dakota. He attended church regularly as a child. In 1977, he graduated from Sunshine Bible Academy.
After high school, Rhoden joined the South Dakota National Guard. He served there from 1978 to 1985. While his children were young, he was active in his community. He served as a church trustee and was on the local school board. He also led the board of directors for the area Cenex, which is a farm supply company.
Political Career
Larry Rhoden has a long history in South Dakota politics. He first served in the South Dakota House of Representatives from 2001 to 2008. During four of those years, he was the majority leader, helping to guide his party's agenda.
After reaching his term limit in the House, he was elected to the state senate. He served in the South Dakota Senate from 2009 to 2015. He was also a member of important committees, including the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the State Affairs Committee.
Running for U.S. Senate
In 2014, Rhoden decided to run for a U.S. Senate seat. He described himself as a "conservative voice for limited government." He spoke about his views on various topics. In the Republican primary election, he lost to Mike Rounds.
Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota
On June 20, 2018, Kristi Noem, who was running for governor, announced that Larry Rhoden would be her running mate. This meant he would run for lieutenant governor alongside her. They won the election, and Rhoden took office on January 5, 2019.
As lieutenant governor, Rhoden had several responsibilities. For a short time in 2020, he served as the interim Secretary of Agriculture for South Dakota. This happened when the previous secretary resigned. Later, the Department of Agriculture was combined with another department.
Governor of South Dakota
In November 2024, it was announced that Governor Kristi Noem would be leaving her position. She was chosen to become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security. Because of this, Larry Rhoden, as the lieutenant governor, became the new governor of South Dakota. He was sworn into office on January 25, 2025.
Soon after becoming governor, Rhoden chose Tony Venhuizen to be his new lieutenant governor. The South Dakota Senate and House of Representatives quickly approved this choice. One of Rhoden's early actions as governor was to work with the U.S. Interior Secretary to bring back the fireworks show at Mount Rushmore 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. Besides his political work, Rhoden is a rancher. He owns and runs a cow-calf operation, which means he raises cattle. He also has a custom welding business.
See also
In Spanish: Larry Rhoden para niños
