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Lieutenant governor signals future role for his predecessor as Noem’s departure looms • South Dakota Searchlight [1]

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Date: 2025-01

Republican former Lt. Gov. Matt Michels addressed the South Dakota Senate on Friday at the Capitol in Pierre, signaling his role in the soon-to-be administration of current Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden.

But neither said exactly what Michels’ role will be.

Rhoden will become governor if the U.S. Senate confirms Gov. Kristi Noem’s nomination to lead the federal Department of Homeland Security. As of Friday afternoon, that confirmation vote was considered to be imminent.

Rhoden, as the current lieutenant governor, is the president of the state Senate. He gave an emotional speech Friday, during what could turn out to be his last session presiding over the body.

Rhoden also called Michels — who does not hold an elected office currently — to the podium and praised him as a “long-time mentor and hero and adviser.”

Michels, a Yankton attorney, served as lieutenant governor from 2011 to 2019 under Gov. Dennis Daugaard. He also served eight years in the Legislature, including a stint as speaker of the House.

Michels told the Senate, “it’s a great honor to be back here.”

“We will all be remembered for our deeds, but not our names,” Michels said. “And it is a great privilege to help you, future Governor Rhoden.”



Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden calls former Lt. Gov. Matt Michels to the podium on Jan. 24, 2025, in the South Dakota Senate.

Michels played an advisory role to Rhoden in the state Senate’s first impeachment trial in 2022, which led to the removal of former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg.

In response to messages from South Dakota Searchlight, Michels declined to say what role he will play in the upcoming administration, but said to stay tuned.

State Sen. Sydney Davis, R-Burbank, wrote on Facebook that Michels will serve as a policy adviser to Rhoden.

Rhoden is a rancher from Union Center who served 16 years in the Legislature, including a stint as House majority leader, prior to becoming Noem’s lieutenant governor. If he’s elevated to governor, he will choose a lieutenant governor, subject to confirmation by the Legislature.

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[1] Url: https://southdakotasearchlight.com/briefs/lieutenant-governor-signals-future-role-for-his-predecessor-as-noems-departure-looms/

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