South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden did not deviate greatly from Noem's executive agenda, but there are early differences between the administrations.

New South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden deflected questions about his political future during his swearing-in ceremony Monday at the Capitol. When asked by the media if he plans to run in the 2026 race for governor,

Just one day after being sworn in as the 34th South Dakota Governor, Larry Rhoden addressed the joint legislative session in Pierre Tuesday afternoon to share his plans for his term. Rhoden began his speech by thanking Kristi Noem for her 18 years of service to South Dakota.

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.

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

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

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.

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.