Rhoden's Rough Past, Steady Present | Pierre News

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden is battling his past as he eyes re-election, with critics recalling him as a volatile school board member decades ago—though he now credits that experience with shaping his leadership. Once known for his impatience and clashes, Rhoden says those frustrations taught him to listen and collaborate, skills he’s applied as governor for 17 months. Despite a rough reputation, he’s built a reputation as a steady, results-driven conservative, pushing key wins like a new prison, pipeline restrictions, and property tax cuts. Backed by his wife and even a former Democrat, Rhoden frames his legacy as incremental progress—not titles, but tangible change, from gun rights to designating rodeo as the state sport. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/63fd6d66ef5f273d