Venhuizen, new Lieutenant Governor

South Dakota has a new lieutenant governor.
On Wednesday, Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden named current Republican Rep. Tony Venhuizen as the No. 2 in the executive office in South Dakota.
“I’ve been blown away by the number of people who have reached out to me,” Rhoden said. “There’s a long shopping list of very qualified people.”
Venhuizen said he has resigned in his position as a state representative in District in 13 in southern Sioux Falls. Rhoden will be able to appointment a replacement lawmaker for Venhuizen’s seat.
“My love for this place came from my grandfather Henry Poppen who was a state senator from DeSmet for 26 years,” Venhuizen said. “I visited him here as a child. I learned to value our citizen legislature from him. Grandpa was a calm, steady person who valued civility and common sense, kind of like you.”
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.”
A Senate committee Wednesday afternoon will consider whether to recommend him.
Venhuizen, an Armour native who now lives in Sioux Falls, served eight years on the senior staff for Dennis Daugaard, including the final four years as chief of staff. Venhuizen, who is married to one of Daugaard’s daughters, was on Noem’s staff during 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Venhizen also runs a SoDak Governors website on the history of South Dakota and its governors.