SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Gov. Kristi Noem said in her State of the State speech Tuesday that in the “very near future” she may be saying farewell, but she didn’t provide any specifics as to when her term as Governor could end.
Noem has been picked by president-elect Donald Trump to be the Secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland. She still needs to be approved by Congress.
But, on Tuesday, Noem’s speech was the first she has publicly mentioned since Trump’s appointment that she may be leaving the Governor’s role.
“I knew that it was always possible that I might not be your governor anymore – whether that circumstance be the result of tragedy or opportunity,” Noem said in her speech.
When she sought a Lt. Governor, “…I wanted a partner who would lead this state just as I would. I wanted someone who realized that our rights come from God, not from government…”
Rhoden and Noem have been friends for 20 years when Noem was elected to the state legislature.
During his introduction on Tuesday, Rhoden said Noem had made a misstep in those early days in Pierre. Rhoden said he noticed that Noem was being ignored by many lawmakers, so he befriended her.
It’s grown into a “friendship that has meant the world to me,” Rhoden said.
Noem said Rhoden has been a partner, advisor, a source of wisdom and laughter during his role as a Lt. Governor.
In recognition of Rhoden always stepping to the plate, she gave him a bat on Tuesday.
She described it as a tool that would help Rhoden do the job as governor. The state lawmakers also received bats or baseballs as she trusted them to “knock it out of the park.”
