New Governor Larry Rhoden says immediate focus is getting to work, not his political future

PIERRE – New South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden deflected questions about his political future during his swearing-in ceremony Jan. 27 at the Capitol.

When asked by the media if he plans to run in the 2026 race for governor, he called it a fair question but said, “I’m laser-focused on getting to work here.”

Rhoden, the state’s 34th governor, will serve the remainder of former Gov. Kristi Noem’s second t…