SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — North Dakota Lt. Gov. Kelly Armstrong was sworn in as the state’s 34th governor on Sunday as Gov. Doug Burgum resigned the governorship in anticipation of stepping into the role of Secretary of the Interior in the coming Trump administration.
Despite the state of South Dakota being in a similar situation as Gov. Kristi Noem has been nominated for Secretary of Homeland Security, news on an ascension for Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden has been more or less non-existent. According to the state constitution, the lieutenant governor would replace the governor if she resigns to fill the federal position.
On Monday, the Republican Governors Association sent a letter to the U.S. Senate calling for “swift confirmation” of Noem as DHS Secretary.
“Governor Noem has demonstrated a deep commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting our borders, and ensuring the safety and security of the American people,” the letter said.
KELOLAND News attempted to contact Rhoden back on Nov. 15, asking for an interview. He did not respond, but we were contacted some hours later by Noem’s communications director, Ian Fury, telling us that he would be “in touch when the time is right for an interview.”
KELOLAND reporter Tyler Louder was in Rhoden’s hometown of Union Center in late November and found, and was able to interview, Rhoden’s twin sister Lorie Hausmann. Louder did not connect with Rhoden.
“He has a lot of integrity, he has a lot of common sense, and I think that’s what’s helped him out a lot and he has very good work ethics. And I think the combination has really helped him,” Hausmann said in Louder’s story.
KELOLAND News reached out on Monday to the governor’s office, and to Rhoden once more, asking about a plan for a transition of power or whether another plan is in place, but we have not yet received any response.
KELOLAND has also interviewed several lawmakers about Rhoden’s service at lieutenant governor and as a state legislator. Another story explored how Noem’s departure could impact the state, including Rhoden as the new governor.
