PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — For South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden, the feeling of holding his office is, at least for now, a bit different.

“It seems surreal, honestly,” Rhoden said after taking the oath of office Monday morning in Pierre.

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Rhoden is a familiar face around the halls of the capitol; as lieutenant governor, he served as president of the Senate. He became governor Saturday after former Gov. Kristi Noem resigned following her confirmation as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security with the federal government.

“Governor Rhoden in the past few weeks has shown that he’s open to communication,” said Democratic Rep. Erin Healy of Sioux Falls, who serves as minority leader in the House. “He’s already called me a few times. I think we are very optimistic about being able to work with him.”

“The legislature’s always enjoyed a really good relationship with the lieutenant governor, and while he was lieutenant governor,” said Republican Sen. Sue Peterson of Sioux Falls, who serves as a majority whip in the Senate. “Now that he’s governor, I think that will continue.” 

“I think the tribes are looking forward to that new connection that they may have with the governor’s office,” said Democratic Rep. Eric Emery of Rosebud, who serves as assistant minority leader in the House.

“Whether it’s addressing property tax relief, school choice, some of the big issues that are, frankly, conservative issues all over the country, I think Governor Rhoden shares, and I’m looking forward to working with him,” said Republican Rep. Scott Odenbach of the Spearfish area, who serves as majority leader in the House.

The ongoing legislative session in Pierre is still young; Monday is only the ninth of 38 legislative days. Whatever fate different bills and budgets might have, the new governor is embracing his role.

“I just look at it as a tremendous opportunity to represent the people in a state that I absolutely love,” Rhoden said.