House Lawmakers took their turns giving praise to their colleague who has spent over two decades in the political world.

Gov. Larry Rhoden received Kristi Noem's official resignation as South Dakota governor on Saturday as she joined the Trump administration.

Rhoden emphasized that his leadership will focus on keeping South Dakota "strong, safe, and free." While not presenting a separate budget, he acknowledged concerns regarding certain aspects of the proposed budget and expressed intent to address those issues collaboratively.

The gubernatorial transition comes after Kristi Noem was confirmed as the next Department of Homeland Security Secretary following a Senate vote on Saturday morning.

Governor Rhoden grew up as a rancher in Meade County and served in the South Dakota National Guard from 1978 to 1985. He has stated that said experience has prepared him to tackle the most pressing issue that South Dakotans face. Republican State Senator Helene Duhamel of district 32 in Rapid City gave her remarks while congratulating Rhoden.

Governor Rhoden has made a few other adjustments to staff responsibilities in the Governor’s Office, ensuring an exceptional team is in place to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free. Scheduling requests for Governor Rhoden can also be submitted on the Governor’s website.

Rhoden is now the 34th Governor of South Dakota pursuant to Article 4 Section 6 of the South Dakota Constitution. Details on the succession and swearing-in ceremony have yet to be announced.

Gov. Larry Rhoden announced state House Representative Tony Venhuizen from Sioux Falls as his Lieutenant Governor pick during a news conference Wednesday morning.

Something rare is taking place at the South Dakota Capitol this week, as a new governor, Larry Rhoden, and a new lieutenant governor, Tony Venhuizen, take office, amid some unusual circumstances. This passage of power came not only in the middle of a governor’s term,

Venhuizen, a former chief of staff to Governor Dennis Daugaard, was sworn in immediately after the votes and will now serve as President of the Senate.

Will the Senate GOP confirm controversial picks like Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr.? Here’s the hearings schedule and list of who’s been confirmed.