PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — Substantial changes appear imminent for South Dakota’s state government; President-elect Donald Trump has selected South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to serve as Homeland Security secretary in his upcoming administration. In Pierre, Republican state lawmakers Will Mortenson and Chris Karr welcomed the news Tuesday.
“I’m not surprised. I’m happy for the governor,” Karr said. “Look forward to working with Larry Rhoden and whatever that transition team looks like.”
“It’s exciting for South Dakota to have a member of President Trump’s cabinet come from our state,” Mortenson said. “A lot of times when these cabinets get put together, it’s people from the coasts, and it’s really exciting to know that our perspective’s going to be shared in President Trump’s cabinet.”
Democrat Reynold Nesiba is less enthusiastic about the development.
“It’s clear the governor has a passion for issues related to border security,” Nesiba said. “On the other hand, I’m a little concerned about just her ability to manage staff. We’ve had a lot of turnover in her office.”
Noem, Trump confirm Homeland Security reports
For his part, Republican Lee Schoenbeck says national developments don’t really capture his attention.
“What I think about that is the implication for my state which is Larry Rhoden will step up to be the next governor, and boy, you got a governor that’s been trained well,” Schoenbeck said. “I mean, he’s knowledgeable about the legislature. He’s served in both houses.”
Noem becoming a cabinet secretary in the federal government would require her to resign her current position. Today, these legislators compliment current Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden, the man set to become South Dakota’s next governor.
“I think Larry Rhoden is likely to spend a lot more time in South Dakota than Governor Noem has been, so I think that he will have a better relationship with the legislature, of members of both parties than Governor Noem has had,” Nesiba said.
“Look forward to working with Larry,” Karr said. “I know that we can work together, talk about what’s important to South Dakota, prioritize between the executive branch, the legislative branch.”
“Working in the Senate together, we have to make hundreds, I mean, literally hundreds and hundreds of decisions,” Schoenbeck said. “I can think of two times we disagreed.”
“Larry Rhoden’s been around the capitol and has been serving our state for a long time,” Mortenson said. “If he indeed does become the governor, I’ll be excited to shake his hand and get to work with him.”
KELOLAND News interviewed the lawmakers before Noem confirmed the appointment on X. Mortenson and Karr will serve in the state legislature in 2025; Nesiba and Schoenbeck are outgoing lawmakers and will not be serving in the House or Senate in 2025.
