Gov. Larry Rhoden said he chose Tony Venhuizen as lieutenant governor for his knowledge of the Legislature and experience in the executive branch.

There was a time when newly-sworn-in South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden was in awe to have had an interaction with the governor of South Dakota.

Larry Rhoden, who succeeded Kristi Noem as South Dakota’s governor on Saturday, brings a lengthy record of success as state legislator to his new office. The Meade County rancher and welder had already served 16 years in the Legislature and was seeking re-election to a seat in the House in 2018