PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota governor says no plan made about potential 2026 run
Union Center Republican could seek full term or ‘ride off into the sunset’
Austin Goss, SDBA
PIERRE — Gov. Larry Rhoden responded with a firm “no” this week when asked if his pick of Tony Venhuizen as lieutenant governor signals his intentions for a 2026 gubernatorial run.
“I have no reason not to be honest with you,” Rhoden said Wednesday, adding that he hasn’t decided if he’ll run in the GOP primary.
While Venhuizen’s confirmation puts an end to months of speculation about who would be chosen to succeed Rhoden in the lieutenant governor role, it sparks new questions about how it will affect the next election cycle. Many South Dakota politicos had speculated that Venhuizen could have been in line for a role in a potential Dusty Johnson administration, with the congressman seen as gearing up for his own gubernatorial run in the next election cycle. Venhuizen has also been floated as a potential congressional candidate that same cycle.
Rhoden emphasized that Venhuizen’s loyalty was key in the decision-making process when picking his second-in-command. “I wanted someone all in for me,” he said.
Venhuizen nodded in agreement.
