January 30, 2025:
(South Dakota Broadcasters Association and DRG Media Group)- The South Dakota Legislature has unanimously confirmed Tony Venhuizen (Jan. 30, 2025) as the state’s 40th Lieutenant Governor.
During the House debate, lawmakers of both political parties expressed support for Venhuizen’s nomination. One of those was Democratic House Minority Leader Erin Healy from Sioux Falls. She praised his experience and knowledge of state government.
Audio PlayerRepublican Representative Liz May from Kyle reflected on her evolving relationship with Venhuizen throughout their years of working together in the state Capitol.
Audio PlayerVenhuizen was sworn in on the floor of the Senate and will now serve as President of that chamber for the remainder of the legislative session. He fills the vacancy created when former Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden became Governor to fill the vacancy left when Kristi Noem resigned to become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security.
Venhuizen previously served as chief of staff to former Governors Dennis Daugaard and Kristi Noem.
More information about Lieutenant Governor Venhuizen can be found here.
January 29, 2025:
Gov. Larry Rhoden told the committee he chose Venhuizen for his experience and shared values.
January 29, 2025:
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has chosen (Jan. 29, 2025) Tony Venhuizen to serve as the 40th Lieutenant Governor of the state.
Rhoden says the Sioux Falls lawmaker has an extensive background in state government.
Audio PlayerVenhuizen says he’s always felt called to public service.
Audio PlayerWho Rhoden would choose as his second in command has drawn a lot of interest and Venhuizen says, that includes from he and his wife Sara’s three kids.
Audio PlayerVenhuizen’s appointment requires confirmation by a majority vote of all the members of the state House and Senate. That could come as soon as Thursday (Jan. 30, 2025).
Venhuizen had been serving as a state representative from District 13. He resigned from that position Wednesday morning. Rhoden is accepting nominations to fill that empty seat.
Written version:
Governor Larry Rhoden has chosen Tony Venhuizen to serve as the 40th Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota.
The appointment, which requires confirmation by the state House and Senate, will be reviewed by a special committee Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2025). A vote is set for Thursday.
“Tony is a problem solver for the people of South Dakota,” said Rhoden. “He is never shy to show leadership and take on challenging issues. He may know more about South Dakota’s history than anyone I’ve ever met. And he uses that knowledge to help shape where our state is heading in the future.”
Tony Venhuizen served since 2023 as a state representative from District 13 and as Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He also chaired the State Legislature’s 100th Session Planning Committee in 2024. He resigned his seat in the legislature this morning. You can find his resignation letter here.
“I want to thank Governor Rhoden for his confidence in me,” said Venhuizen. “It will be a great honor to serve the people of South Dakota as lieutenant governor. I look forward to helping Governor Rhoden keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.”
Venhuizen served for ten years in the Governor’s Office, including time as chief of staff to Governor Dennis Daugaard and Governor Kristi Noem. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and history from South Dakota State University in 2005 and his juris doctorate from the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law in 2008.
“We had many excellent applicants for this position,” continued Rhoden. “I had the luxury of countless incredible candidates, and I selected one who is the best fit for such a time as this.”
Pursuant to Article 4 Section 6 of the South Dakota Constitution, Venhuizen “shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of all the members of each house of the Legislature.”
Venhuizen is president of the board of directors of the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation. He is a member of the board of directors of the Trail of Governors Foundation and of the SDSU Research Park, and a former member of the board of directors of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Tony and his wife, Sara, have three school-age children: Henry, Elizabeth, and Madeleine. Sara is an electrical engineer and a distinguished alumna of South Dakota State University. The family attends Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sioux Falls.
![](https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2025/01/venhuizen-tony-and-family.jpg)
Courtesy photo.
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