South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden officially announced Tuesday that he is running for a full term in next June’s Republican primary, seeking to secure the state’s top office after assuming the role in January. 

According to The Associated Press, he took over when former Gov. Kristi Noem joined the Trump administration as Homeland Security secretary. Rhoden, 66, previously served six years as lieutenant governor.

He now faces a crowded GOP field, including U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, businessman Toby Doeden, and House Speaker Jon Hansen. In South Dakota, a reliably red state, winning the Republican primary typically positions a candidate as the favorite for the November general election.

During his announcement at a Rapid City hotel, flanked by family, Rhoden emphasized his priorities: property tax cuts, public safety, and support for conservative policies. “I remain focused on keeping our state strong, safe, and free, and I’m going to keep doing the people’s work because when I’m working, South Dakota is winning,” he said.

While Noem built a national profile during her tenure, Rhoden has maintained a lower-key approach, focusing on state issues. 

His most notable legislative achievement this year was securing approval for a $650 million plan to replace South Dakota’s 141-year-old state penitentiary, ending years of legislative stalemate.

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Rhoden has also advocated for property tax relief, strengthened immigration enforcement, and promoted economic development through visits to towns and local businesses across the state. 

Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen praised Rhoden, saying, “He is exactly what South Dakota needs right now: a steady, responsible governor who protects what’s working, fixes what isn’t, and never forgets where he came from.”

A lifelong rancher from Union Center, Rhoden served in the National Guard before entering politics in 2001. He held seats in both the South Dakota House and Senate and ran for U.S. Senate in 2014, taking conservative stances on abortion, same-sex marriage, and immigration. Noem selected him as her running mate in 2018.

As the GOP primary shapes up, Rhoden’s campaign positions him as a steady conservative choice with deep roots in South Dakota, aiming to continue the policies of the state’s recent Republican leadership.