Larry Rhoden is the Governor of South Dakota. He assumed office on January 25, 2025. His current term ends on January 4, 2027. Rhoden assumed office as governor when the U.S. Senate confirmed former governor Kristi Noem as the secretary of homeland security in the second Donald Trump administration. During his first gubernatorial address to the state legislature, Rhoden said he would focus on bringing "a collaborative and civility-minded style to the governor’s office" and would reset relations between the executive branch, the legislature, the state's nine Native American tribes, and the press. Rhoden was born in 1959 in Sturgis, South Dakota. Following his graduation from high school at Sunshine Bible Academy in 1977, Rhoden joined the South Dakota National Guard, serving for six years. Rhoden's work experience included welding and operating a ranch. Before joining the executive branch, Rhoden served as a state legislator. He was first elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2000 and served until 2009, when he was term limited. While a member of the House, Rhoden served as state House majority leader from 2005 to 2008. Rhoden was elected to the South Dakota State Senate in 2008, serving until 2015. He was elected again to the state House in 2016 and served until 2019.