RAPID CITY, SD — At the hotel Alex Johnson at 10am this morning, Governor Larry Rhoden announced his intentions to run for Governorship following his experience as governor following his experience as governor this year, following the appointment of Kristi Noem as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
“I think South Dakota is a very special place,” said Rhoden, recounting his childhood on a South Dakota farm, experience in the state legislature, and his meeting of Noem. “You might wonder how that’s going to change my work as governor and the short answer for that is: it won’t.” said Rhoden, “I’ve remained focused on keeping our state strong, safe and free”.
Amid his “Strong, Safe, and Free” messaging, Rhoden also positioned himself as a voice for civility among the increasingly radical rhetoric of conservative lawmakers nationwide. On this point, Rhoden said “We’ve gotten way too out of hand”.
When asked what made him wish to run for reelection after showing some uncertainty early on in the year, Rhoden spoke of the accomplishments which he had gotten to oversee, specifically highlighting his work on the contentious women’s prison and on Operation: Prairie Thunder. “All of that just reminded me of why I’m doing what I’m doing, and that I’m the right guy for the job.”
When asked about reports of Sioux residents being confronted by ICE/USMS officials affiliated with Operation: Prairie Thunder, the governor called such reports unfounded, and stated that nothing related to the issue has come to his attention.
