SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) — South Dakota voters are going through their own period of adjustment as Larry Rhoden settles into his new job as governor.

Many voters, especially those who live on the east side of the state, are still unfamiliar with the longtime West River politician.

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Lieutenant governors, by the very nature of the position, exist outside the political spotlight of the sitting governor. But Larry Rhoden is now front and center with his former boss, Kristi Noem taking on the role of Homeland Security Secretary. But that doesn’t mean he’s instantly recognizable to the people he serves.

Perry Groten: I want you to tell me, who is this man?(long pause)….”I don’t know,” Carla DeLeon of Rapid City said.

Perry Groten: Do you think it’s a movie celebrity?

“Ummm. He has a good smile so maybe. I want to say so, yeah, maybe movie guy, or maybe he’s on a commercial or something,” D.J. Watkins said.

Other people we tested at Josiah’s Coffeehouse couldn’t put a name to the face.

“Oh, that is our new governor. Ummm, governor… ahhh,” Vaney Harari of Sioux Falls said.

Perry Groten: Tell me, who is this man?

“That’s our new governor,” Cameron Axtmann said.

Perry Groten: Well done! What’s his name?

“Ummm. Do you guys remember his name,” Axtmann said.

Only a couple of people got the name right.

Perry Groten: I want you to tell me, who is this man?

“That’s our Governor Rhoden,” Traci Holter of Sioux Falls.

Larry Rhoden is a political blank slate to many people.

“I know that he grew up on a ranch in western South Dakota, but that’s about all I know,” DeLeon said.

Everyone we spoke with were good sports about allowing us to put them on the spot.

Perry Groten: Tell me his name.

“I’m sure he’s a great guy! I don’t know his name, but I’m sure I will know after today,” Sammi McGraw of Sioux Falls said.

Most people we asked didn’t recognize the man in the picture. But in the week and months ahead, they’ll have time to learn more about Rhoden’s governing style and his impact on South Dakota.

“I hope he leads the people with fairness, and I suppose if you lead with fairness, that’s the best form of government,” Axtmann said.

One of the people we interviewed thought the photo might be former U.S. Senator Tom Daschle.Another thought the photo of Rhoden was AI-generated.