WATCH: Rhoden sworn in as 34th Governor of SD

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — New Gov. Larry Rhoden took the oath of office Monday at the state Capitol in his second floor office, a small, intimate space compared to the expanse of his job as chief executive for South Dakota.

Rhoden, 65, replaces fellow Republican Kristi Noem who resigned on Saturday to become the U.S. secretary of Homeland Security. The South Dakota Constitution says that the lieutenant governor replaces the governor, should the governor resign or be otherwise unable to complete the elected four-year term.

The audience spilled into the hallway as the doors to the official room were left open for viewing. Others were able to form a circle of sorts on the outside wall of the office. The group in the room included several dozen family members and legislative leaders from both political parties.

“I am ready to take over as governor,” Rhoden said in remarks after the ceremony. Rhoden said he’d been preparing for a possible transition to governor for more than a year.

To take the oath, Rhoden raised his right hand and placed his left hand atop two Bibles. He told news reporters afterward that one was his mother’s study Bible, wrapped in baler wire. The other was the Bible that the military issued to his father during World War II.

“It’s very meaningful to me,” Rhoden said.

Larry Rhoden succeeds to governor of South Dakota

Rhoden pointed out he will be the first governor to have been the presiding officer of the Senate and governor during the same legislative session. “We’ve never before had a transition in the middle of a session,” Rhoden said.

When asked about his plans for 2026, as some have speculated he will run for governor, Rhoden acknowledged that it was a fair question but said, “I’m laser focused on getting work done (this session).” Members of his staff were in legislative committees that morning to testify and discuss important bills, Rhoden said.

Rhoden said he had a great staff and cabinet. He said that an announcement about his lieutenant governor should be made later this week. That person will need confirmation from the House and the Senate. One of the lieutenant governor’s constitutional duties is to serve as Senate president. With that position vacant, the Senate president pro tem, Republican Chris Karr, presided on Monday.

The House and Senate appointed committees Monday afternoon to consider the governor’s choice of lieutenant governor.

Rhoden also announced his staff changes in a news release on Monday.

Gov. Rhoden announces staff changes

South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen administered the oath of office. Rhoden’s new senior advisor and counsel, former Lt. Gov. Matt Michels, introduced the new Governor and his wife, Sandy. The ceremony, remarks and brief Q-and-A lasted about six minutes.

Capitol reporter Bob Mercer took multiple photos of the ceremony. Several photos are included in the slideshow below.

Gov. Rhoden talks about the Bibles used in Monday’s ceremony.Gov. Larry Rhoden takes his oath of office. Gov. Rhoden’s wife Sandy, left, as the governor takes the oath of office. Gov. Larry Rhoden after the ceremony.New Gov. Larry Rhoden enters his new office.

Rhoden plans to address the Legislature in a joint session at 1:30 p.m. CT Tuesday.

A larger, public swearing-in ceremony will be held on February 8 in the Capitol rotunda, followed by a Capitol Ball that evening in the rotunda.

Rhoden, a rancher and welder from Meade County, served as lieutenant governor for six years, after 16 years in the state Legislature.

Capitol Bureau reporter Bob Mercer contributed to this report.