SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – After a confirmation hearing that was civil and less contentious than other recent hearings, it seemed all but a guarantee that South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s nomination would be confirmed. That became a reality on Saturday with a favorable 59-34 vote that even received approval from seven Democrats.

It took Senate Republicans breaking a filibuster to get it done, but an early morning vote made Kristi Noem just the second South Dakotan to be selected for a Presidential cabinet position.

In her confirmation hearing, Noem promised to work on making America safer by securing the southern border and combatting terrorism.

“As we face the evolving threats of the 21st century, the mission and the success of DHS is more critical than ever,” Noem said on January 17th. “We must be vigilant and proactive and innovative to protect the homeland.”

Many South Dakotans like U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson congratulated Noem on the new position.

“I’ve seen Kristi make good decisions in times of adversity and disaster, and I know she will continue to showcase her strong South Dakota work ethic in her new role,” Representative Johnson said on X.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune also shared praise for Noem.

“I know she’s ready to get to work for President Trump and the American people,” Senator Thune shared on X.

On social media, Senator Mike Rounds wished Noem the best and said, “South Dakota is punching above its weight, a true testament to our people.”

Following her confirmation, Noem herself took to social media to thank President Donald Trump for his confidence in her and repeated he promise to work on making America safe.

Her resignation letter soon followed and with that Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden officially became the 34th Governor of South Dakota as anticipated. In a release, he shared insights about his transition.

“Until now, I have kept my extensive preparations for this succession to myself,” said Governor Rhoden. “I would have loved to have spoken openly sooner, but the time was not yet appropriate. South Dakotans should rest assured that I’m ready to serve as your Governor.”

Many officials congratulated the new Governor. South Dakota Attorney General shared his connection to Rhoden in a release.

“I have known Larry since he welded our ranch branding irons more than a quarter of a century ago, and I have appreciated serving with him during the years,” Jackley said. “As Attorney General, I look forward to continuing to work with him to make our State the best in the Nation.”

Representative Johnson also congratulated the Governor and praised his character.

“Larry has a proven record of serving our state. I trust he will do a great job leading and I look forward to working with him to keep South Dakota great.”

Governor Rhoden also posted a heartfelt reflection on assuming the new role on X.

Rhoden said he held months of briefings and meetings with Noem and many other current and former state officials in preparation for the new title. They began to plan this succession shortly after President Trump nominated Noem in November.

While Rhoden officially became Governor per the South Dakota constitution right away, details on the succession and swearing-in ceremony have yet to be announced.

Copyright 2025 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.

PIERRE, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – On Saturday, Larry Rhoden received Kristi Noem’s resignation as Governor immediately following the US Senate’s vote to confirm Noem as Homeland Security Secretary.

Rhoden is now the 34th Governor of South Dakota pursuant to Article 4 Section 6 of the South Dakota Constitution.

You can read Noem’s resignation letter here.

Details on the succession and swearing-in ceremony have yet to be announced.

Rep. Dusty Johnson congratulated Noem on her confirmation, his statement can be read below.

Copyright 2025 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on Friday advanced the nomination of South Dakota GOP Gov. Kristi Noem to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Senators voted 61-39 for cloture on President Donald Trump’s choice to lead the federal agency responsible for border protection, disaster response and cybersecurity. A final confirmation vote is expected as soon as Sunday.

Appearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs last week, Noem said “border security must remain a top priority.”

“As a nation, we have the right and the responsibility to secure our borders against those who would do us harm, and we must create a fair and a lawful immigration system that is efficient and is effective and that reflects our values,” she said.

If confirmed, Noem will be pivotal in carrying out Trump’s immigration crackdown. The president kick-started those efforts shortly after he took office Monday.

In part of a barrage of executive orders this week, Trump moved to end birthright citizenship in the United States. But on Thursday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the plan, which was met with a flurry of legal challenges.

Trump also declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, and earlier this week, the Pentagon said it would immediately send 1,500 active duty troops to secure the area.