South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden announced his bid for a full gubernatorial term on Tuesday, joining an increasingly competitive Republican primary race scheduled for June next year. Rhoden, who has served as the state’s top executive since January, made his announcement at a Rapid City hotel flanked by family members.

“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,” Rhoden declared during his campaign launch.

The 66-year-old governor assumed office earlier this year following former Governor Kristi Noem’s departure to join the Trump administration as Secretary of Homeland Security. Prior to his current role, Rhoden spent six years as Noem’s lieutenant governor, building a reputation as a steady, conservative presence in state government.

Rhoden faces formidable competition in the Republican primary, most notably from U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson, who enjoys strong name recognition throughout the state. Other contenders include businessman Toby Doeden and State House Speaker Jon Hansen, who has gained prominence for his opposition to a controversial carbon capture pipeline project in the state.

In South Dakota’s deeply conservative political landscape, the Republican primary winner typically becomes the heavy favorite in the general election, making the June contest particularly significant.

During his brief tenure as governor, Rhoden has maintained a more subdued public profile than his predecessor. While Noem actively cultivated a national reputation through frequent media appearances and provocative policy positions, Rhoden has focused primarily on state-level governance and economic development initiatives.

His most significant achievement thus far came in September, when he successfully persuaded the state legislature to approve a $650 million plan to replace South Dakota’s aging state penitentiary. The 141-year-old facility had been a contentious issue in state politics for years, with lawmakers repeatedly failing to reach consensus on a replacement strategy.

Property tax relief has emerged as another cornerstone of Rhoden’s early gubernatorial agenda. During his announcement, he emphasized his commitment to continuing South Dakota’s tradition of limited government and fiscal conservatism, pledging to advance “low-tax, pro-gun and anti-abortion policies” if elected to a full term.

Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen offered a strong endorsement of his running mate, describing Rhoden as “a steady, responsible governor who protects what’s working, fixes what isn’t and never forgets where he came from.”

Rhoden’s political career spans more than two decades, beginning with his election to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2001. He later served in the state Senate before mounting an unsuccessful bid for U.S. Senate in 2014, where he campaigned on conservative positions regarding same-sex marriage, abortion access, and immigration policy.

Beyond politics, Rhoden maintains deep connections to South Dakota’s agricultural heritage. He continues to operate his family’s ranch near Union Center, where he was born and raised, giving him firsthand experience with the challenges facing the state’s vital agricultural sector.

As the campaign unfolds, Rhoden will likely emphasize his experience in executive leadership and his understanding of rural issues, while his competitors will seek to distinguish themselves in a crowded field of conservative candidates.

The outcome of this race could significantly influence South Dakota’s approach to economic development, infrastructure investment, and social policy in the coming years, with implications for the state’s approximately 895,000 residents.