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Larry Rhoden
54.8%
#12 of 50

Larry Rhoden

South Dakota R | 1st term (succeeded Kristi Noem who became DHS Secretary — approximately 2 months in office)
2025-01-04Took Office 1 yr, 5 moIn Office 263Metrics Scored 906 / 1653Total Points
⚠️ Inherited Performance Notice

Larry Rhoden has been in office 15 months. Section A (Governance) and Section B (State Outcomes) scores largely reflect the prior administration of Kristi Noem (R), who served 2019-2025. Section C (Oath Fidelity) reflects Rhoden's own executive actions, vetoes, and policy positions since taking office.

In office 15 months. Section A (Governance) and Section B (State Outcomes) scores largely reflect the prior administration of Kristi Noem (R), who served as governor immediately before Rhoden. Section C (Oath Fidelity) reflects Rhoden's own executive actions, vetoes, and policy positions since taking office. Click to expand each section for full item-level scores, evidence, and source citations.

Current: Larry Rhoden (R)
Took office: 2025-01-04
In office: 15 months
Predecessor: Kristi Noem (R)
Served: 2019-2025
Same party continuity

Section A: Governance

226/300
75%

Section B: State Outcomes

523/975
54%

Section C: Oath Fidelity

+157 (-378 to +378)

Section A — Governance 226/300

9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.

On-time budget submission
Rhoden inherited the FY2026 Noem budget ($7.3B total, $2.46B general fund) already in process when he took office Jan 27, 2025. Delivered his own FY2027 budget address Dec 2, 2025, proposing a $7.44B budget emphasizing fiscal restraint with flat funding for education, Medicaid providers, and state employees. Budget submitted on schedule to the 2026 legislative session starting Jan 13.
SD BFM Budget Records; SD Legislature Bill Tracking; SDPB FY27 Budget Address (Dec 2, 2025)
2
Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual
FY2025 ended with a $63M operating surplus — $41M in excess revenues and $22M in unspent appropriations — indicating conservative revenue forecasting. State sales tax collections finished $3.7M (0.6%) below prior year. Unclaimed property receipts ($47M+) drove unexpected revenue. BFM revenue estimates were reasonably accurate under inherited fiscal framework.
SD BFM Revenue Reports; DakotaNewsNow (July 14, 2025); SD State Treasurer
2
Rainy day fund management
Rhoden proposed raising rainy day reserves to 12.5% of general fund (~$413M) in his FY2027 budget, up from the traditional 10%, citing uncertainty in the national economy and low crop prices affecting SD agriculture. The FY2025 surplus of $169M ($63M surplus + $106M unspent legislative funds) flowed to reserves. FY2027 budget proposes drawing $98M from reserves, potentially reducing balance to ~$315M.
SD BFM Reserve Fund Reports; Gov. Rhoden FY2027 Budget Address (Dec 2, 2025); KELO (Dec 2025)
2
State credit rating trajectory
South Dakota maintained AAA credit ratings from all three agencies (S&P, Moody's Aaa, Fitch AAA) for the ninth consecutive year as of FY2025 ACFR release (Dec 31, 2025). Fitch cited consistently well-managed fiscal operations, strong reserve balances, and structural budgetary balance. SD is one of only ~13 states with triple-AAA from all three agencies. Inherited and maintained under Rhoden.
S&P Global Ratings; Moody's; Fitch Ratings — South Dakota; SD BFM ACFR FY2025
2
Pension funding ratio trajectory
SDRS funded ratio at exactly 100.0% as of June 30, 2024 actuarial valuation — the 29th time out of the last 34 valuations that SDRS achieved at least 100% funding on a Fair Value of Assets basis. SDRS fixed member and employer contributions are below national averages yet system remains fully funded. Recent COLAs have not kept pace with high inflation levels. Among the best-funded statewide retirement systems in the nation.
SDRS Actuarial Valuation (June 30, 2024); SD Legislative Research Council Report
2
Debt per capita trajectory
SD carries zero general obligation debt — one of only 4 states (with NE, TN, UT) reporting under $1,000 per capita long-term debt. Total combined state debt (SDBA + SDHEFA vocational ed) was $349.9M at end of FY2024, representing just 0.5% of gross state domestic product, well within the 1.2% policy limit. Projected to decline further to $221.4M (0.3% GDP) by FY2028. Inherited and sustained under Rhoden.
SD Debt Limitation and Management Policy (2025); Reason Foundation Gov Finance 2025
2
CAFR/ACFR published on time
FY2024 ACFR released on schedule (Dec 31, 2024) showing state net position climbing to $9.9B, up $667.5M (7.2%) from prior year. General Fund balance reached $1.6B, up $229.1M (16.8%). FY2025 ACFR released Dec 31, 2025 confirming AAA ratings maintained. State net position surpassed $10B for first time, up 5% from FY2024. BFM and Dept. of Legislative Audit coordination functional.
SD BFM ACFR FY2024; SD BFM ACFR FY2025; DRGNews (Jan 2, 2026)
2
Audit findings — material weaknesses
FY2024 and FY2025 ACFRs produced by BFM and audited by the Department of Legislative Audit (DLA) showed no material weaknesses sufficient to threaten the AAA credit rating. DLA operates independently under the legislature, not the governor, ensuring audit independence. The $612.5M Incarceration Construction Fund set aside in the ACFR for new prison construction was properly accounted for.
SD Department of Legislative Audit Reports; SD BFM ACFR FY2024-2025
2
Federal grant fund accounting
SD ranks in the top 10 states for per-capita IIJA funding. Rhoden's FY2027 budget requested $87M in federal funding authority for BEAD broadband expansion (~$204M total BEAD allocation for SD covering 6,992 unserved locations). Also secured $189M in federal Rural Health Transformation Plan funds as the first year of a 5-year, $500M investment. Federal grant accounting under BFM oversight with no reported compliance issues.
USASpending.gov — South Dakota; SD BFM FY2027 Budget; NTIA BEAD Program Data
2
Anti-fraud controls — federal programs
SD's small population (~920K) limits fraud exposure relative to large states. Medicaid expansion enrollment at 30,367 adults (FY2027 projected), well below initial estimates, reducing overpayment risk. DLR unemployment insurance system operates with low unemployment (~1.8-2.2% in 2025) minimizing UI fraud vectors. DSS uses SAVE system for benefits verification. Standard federal program integrity controls maintained under Rhoden.
DOL OIG Reports; SD DLR Records; SD DSS Program Integrity; FY2027 Budget Slides
2
Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment
SD is 1 of 9 states with no individual income tax. Revenue relies on 4.2% statewide sales tax plus local add-ons (1-2%). FY2025 ended with $63M surplus, but state sales tax finished $3.7M below estimates and 0.6% below FY2024 collections — a warning sign. Rhoden's FY2027 budget held spending flat on the 'Big 3' (K-12, Medicaid, state employees) to maintain balance. Medicaid now surpasses K-12 as largest state expenditure for the first time.
SD BFM Revenue Reports; SD Dept. of Revenue; DakotaNewsNow (July 14, 2025)
2
Capital budget execution rate
Major capital project inherited: $87M women's prison in Rapid City (groundbreaking summer 2024, completion expected July 2026) on schedule. $612.5M Incarceration Construction Fund set aside. Rhoden's FY2027 budget includes $13.2M annual operating cost for 133 new prison FTEs. Also proposed $10M one-time IT modernization investment after Aug 2025 data center outage. Capital project pipeline continuing under inherited momentum.
SD BFM Capital Budget Reports; SD DOC Rapid City Facility Updates; Gov. Budget Address (Dec 2025)
2
Vendor/contractor oversight
Procurement managed through the SD Bureau of Administration's Office of Procurement Management. The $87M women's prison contract (Journey Group Companies among contractors) proceeding on schedule. SD open.sd.gov portal publishes state contracts and checkbook data linked to accounting/payroll systems in real time. No vendor scandals or procurement irregularities under Rhoden. Small state with straightforward procurement environment.
SD BOF Procurement Records; open.sd.gov; SD DOC Construction Updates
3
Federal funding maximization
SD ranks top 10 nationally for per-capita IIJA funding. Rhoden secured $189M first-year allocation from Trump's Rural Health Transformation Plan (part of $500M over 5 years). BEAD broadband allocation ~$204M total (60% fiber, 38% LEO satellite, 2% fixed wireless). Ellsworth AFB B-21 Raider program bringing $2.6B in FY2025 NDAA funding plus $282M for construction. FY2027 budget requested $500M in federal funding authority for health initiatives.
USASpending.gov — South Dakota; NTIA BEAD Data; FY2025 NDAA; Gov. State of State (Jan 2026)
2
Program eligibility verification systems
SD DSS uses the federal SAVE system to verify immigration status for all state-administered public benefits. Medicaid expansion enrollment carefully managed at 30,367 adults — below initial projections — indicating effective eligibility screening. SB 7 (sanctuary city ban, signed Feb 7, 2025) reinforces verification requirements. SD's small population and conservative approach limit program fraud exposure. No eligibility verification failures reported.
SD DSS Program Integrity Reports; DHS SAVE Program; SD BFM FY2027 Budget Data
3
Signature legislation enacted
Rhoden signed 207 bills into law during the 2025 legislative session (SD's 100th session). Key signature legislation: HB 1052 banning eminent domain for CO2 pipelines (ending 4-year Summit Carbon Solutions controversy), SB 7 sanctuary city ban (his first bill signed Feb 7), SB 100 campus concealed carry (12th state to allow it), HB 1259 bathroom access bill, SB 68 voter citizenship requirement, and SB 164 political deepfake labeling requirement.
SD Legislature Bill Tracking; NewsCenterOne (213 new laws); Gov's Signing Records 2025
2
Veto override rate
Rhoden vetoed 2 bills in the 2025 session: HB 1132 (child care employee assistance) and HB 1169 (geographic signature requirement for constitutional amendments). Both vetoes were sustained by the legislature — the House voted 43-27 to uphold the HB 1132 veto despite originally passing 39-31. Zero vetoes overridden, indicating effective working relationship with R supermajority.
SD Legislature Journal; South Dakota Searchlight (March 25, 2025)
2
Bipartisan bills signed
SD legislature has a Republican supermajority (31-4 Senate, 63-7 House in 2025). Limited bipartisan dynamics structurally. HB 1052 (CO2 pipeline eminent domain ban) passed Senate 23-12 with some cross-party support. Rhoden pledged a 'collaborative and civility-minded style' in his first gubernatorial address. The sanctuary city ban SB 7 and election integrity bills received near-unanimous support across the aisle.
SD Legislature Vote Records 2025; SD Searchlight; SDPB
2
Special sessions called
No special sessions called in Rhoden's first year. The regular 2025 legislative session (Jan 14 - March 31) proceeded on the standard calendar set by the 100th session schedule. Legislature reconvened briefly on the final day (March 31) to consider the two vetoed bills (HB 1132 and HB 1169) before adjourning. Orderly session management without need for special sessions.
SD Governor's Office; SD Legislature 100th Session Calendar
2
Executive orders — legal challenges
Rhoden issued Executive Order 2025-06 establishing the Governor's Resilience and Infrastructure Task Force (GRIT) on June 2, 2025, chaired by Lt. Gov. Venhuizen with Adjutant General Mark Morrell as vice chair. GRIT advises on disaster preparedness as federal FEMA role shifts under Trump administration. Also issued emergency declaration Jan 7, 2026 for Dec 2025 windstorm. No legal challenges to any executive orders filed.
Court Records — South Dakota; EO 2025-06; DakotaNewsNow (June 2, 2025)
2
Line-item veto usage
Rhoden's FY2027 budget proposes flat funding across the 'Big 3' (K-12, Medicaid providers, state employee pay) while restoring $16.4M of the $22M cut from the Department of Human Services. Rhoden left $14M unallocated for legislative priorities, showing willingness to share budget authority. No line-item vetoes exercised during 2025 session. SD Constitution grants governor line-item veto power on appropriations bills.
SD Constitution Art. IV §4; Governor's Veto Records; FY2027 Budget Address
2
Regulatory burden change
SD consistently ranks among the least-regulated states (no income tax, constitutional carry, minimal licensing). HB 1052 (eminent domain ban for CO2 pipelines) reduced regulatory burden on landowners. SB 100 (campus concealed carry) removed Board of Regents firearms restrictions. Rhoden's rancher background aligns with minimal regulation philosophy. No new significant regulatory expansions enacted during 2025 session.
SD Administrative Rules; Mercatus Center RegData; 2025 SD Legislative Session Summary
2
Budget negotiation success
FY2026 budget ($7.3B total, $2.46B general fund) passed through inherited Noem framework with Rhoden's input during 2025 session. For FY2027, Rhoden proposed $7.44B emphasizing restraint — flat funding on 'Big 3' while proposing targeted investments: $13.2M for prison staffing, $10M IT modernization, $296K for SDPB transparency/livestreaming. Left $14M for legislators to allocate, signaling collaborative approach with Joint Appropriations.
SD BFM; Legislature Calendar; FY2027 Budget Address (Dec 2, 2025)
2
Bill signing rate on popular legislation
Rhoden signed 207 of 209 bills sent to his desk (99% signing rate) during the 2025 session, vetoing only HB 1132 (child care employee assistance) and HB 1169 (constitutional amendment geographic requirement). Popular legislation signed: HB 1052 eminent domain ban for CO2 pipelines (ending landowner controversy), SB 100 campus carry, election integrity package (SB 68, SB 73, SB 75). 197 new laws took effect July 1, 2025.
SD Legislature Records; NewsCenterOne (March 2025); DakotaNewsNow (June 30, 2025)
2
Legislative relationship
Rhoden served in the SD House (2001-2008) including 4 years as majority leader, then in the state Senate after term limits, before becoming Lt. Governor (2019-2025). Deep legislative relationships from 18+ years in Pierre. Pledged 'collaborative and civility-minded style' contrasting with Noem's more combative approach. Appointed Tony Venhuizen (former chief of staff to Govs. Daugaard and Noem) as Lt. Governor — unanimously confirmed by both chambers Jan 30.
SD Legislature Records; Governor's Office; SDPB (Feb 4, 2025)
2
Implementation of voter-approved measures
Medicaid expansion (Amendment D, voter-approved Nov 2022) fully implemented — enrollment at 30,367 adults by FY2027 projection, costing $45M in state general funds (less than originally feared). Rhoden acknowledged in budget address that Medicaid has surpassed K-12 as largest state expenditure. Federal FMAP match near 50% for SD — highest ever. Rhoden continuing implementation despite personally opposing the measure, respecting voter mandate.
SD Secretary of State; Amendment D Implementation; Gov. FY2027 Budget Address
2
Task force follow-through
Rhoden established the Governor's Resilience and Infrastructure Task Force (GRIT) via EO 2025-06 on June 2, 2025, chaired by Lt. Gov. Venhuizen with AG Mark Morrell as vice-chair, to prepare SD for reduced federal FEMA support. GRIT includes state agency heads, utilities, academia, cybersecurity, and emergency management experts. Also continued Noem-era Teacher Compensation Review Board (met June 16, 2025) addressing SD's $45K minimum teacher salary issue.
Governor's Office Records; EO 2025-06; SD Teacher Comp Review Board (June 2025)
2
Policy reversals under pressure
No major policy reversals. Rhoden maintained Noem's border deployment and anti-sanctuary posture, continued Medicaid expansion implementation despite opposing it. Vetoed child care assistance (HB 1132) and held firm when legislature sustained the veto (House voted 43-27 to uphold). On HB 1052 (CO2 pipeline), Rhoden sided with landowners over Summit Carbon Solutions despite industry pressure, framing it as a 'needed reset' rather than a project kill.
Governor's Office Records; SD Searchlight (March 2025)
2
Appointee criminal/ethics issues
No criminal or ethics issues with Rhoden appointees. Key appointments: Tony Venhuizen as Lt. Governor (unanimously confirmed by both chambers Jan 30, 2025), Mackenzie Decker as Chief of Staff (12 years in state government across DLR, GOED, Revenue). Most cabinet retained from Noem administration. Venhuizen previously served as chief of staff to Governors Daugaard and Noem — well-vetted and experienced.
SD Ethics Commission; Court Records; Gov. Office Appointment Records
2
Agency head vacancy rate
Rhoden retained the 'vast majority' of Noem's cabinet and staff per his Jan 27 inauguration remarks. Key staffing changes: Mackenzie Decker elevated to Chief of Staff, Venhuizen appointed Lt. Governor. Agency heads across DSS, DOT, DANR, DLR, DOC, and other departments remained in place during transition. No extended agency head vacancies reported. Smooth gubernatorial succession with minimal institutional disruption.
Governor's Office Appointment Records; KELO (Jan 27, 2025); DakotaNewsNow
2
State employee turnover
No mass departures during gubernatorial transition. SD DOC successfully reducing vacancy rates ahead of the new women's prison opening, with corrections officer starting pay now $25.50/hour (43% increase from 3 years prior). DOC also reintroduced loan repayment and scholarship programs to attract staff. Average state employee salary ~$65,757 (2024) — 8.3% below national government average. Rhoden's FY2027 budget proposes flat state employee pay, a point of criticism.
SD BHR Employee Data; SD DOC Staffing Reports; OpenTheBooks SD State Salaries
3
Diversity of appointments
Cabinet largely retained from Noem era — limited Rhoden-specific appointments to evaluate. Rhoden pledged to 'reset' relations with SD's 9 federally recognized tribes, inspired by Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Chairman J. Garrett Renville's call for renewed state-tribal engagement. Signed bill recognizing tribal police as law enforcement in SD (March 2026). SD population is ~9% Native American but tribal representation in state government positions remains limited.
Governor's Office Appointment Records; SD Searchlight (Feb 2025)
2
Judicial appointment quality
SD uses a merit-based judicial selection system: the Judicial Qualifications Commission screens candidates and forwards nominees to the governor. Rhoden appoints from the Commission's vetted list, limiting political patronage. No controversial judicial appointments reported during his first year. System inherited from long-standing SD constitutional framework ensures quality control independent of the governor.
SD Judicial Qualifications Commission; SD Constitution Art. V
2
State workforce pay competitiveness
Average SD state employee salary $65,757 (2024), 8.3% below national government average and 5.2% below other states. Minimum teacher salary $45,000 — among lowest nationally (~$49K average vs ~$65K national). Rhoden's FY2027 budget proposes zero pay increase for state employees, teachers, and Medicaid providers — criticized as 'not increasing is a cut' by advocates. DOC increased corrections officer pay 43% to $25.50/hr over 3 years to address staffing crisis.
SD BHR Compensation Reports; BLS OES SD Data; SD Teacher Comp Review Board (June 2025)
2
Whistleblower protection
No whistleblower complaints or retaliation cases filed against the Rhoden administration. SD whistleblower protections exist under SDCL 3-6A for state employees reporting waste/fraud/abuse. The Department of Legislative Audit (DLA) operates independently under the legislature as the primary government accountability mechanism. Rhoden pledged transparency ('open, transparent, and honest') and has not been accused of suppressing reporting.
SD DLA Reports; SDCL 3-6A; Governor's Office Public Statements
2
Inspector General independence
SD's audit function resides in the Department of Legislative Audit (DLA), which reports to the legislature — not the governor — providing structural independence. The DLA conducted audits for the FY2024 and FY2025 ACFRs without interference. Rhoden has not attempted to alter the DLA's structure, budget, or independence. Rhoden's FY2027 budget included $296K increase for SDPB to livestream legislative proceedings, enhancing government transparency.
SD DLA Annual Reports; SD Constitution Art. IV
2
State employee morale
No morale crisis during the gubernatorial succession. Rhoden's 'collaborative and civility-minded' leadership style reported as a contrast to Noem's national-spotlight approach (SD Searchlight described Rhoden as governing 'without the baggage of the national spotlight'). However, the FY2027 flat pay proposal for state workers drew criticism — average state salary already 8.3% below national government average. DOC reduced job vacancies with pay increases ahead of women's prison opening.
SD BHR Data; SD Searchlight (Feb 4, 2025); SD DOC Staffing Reports
2
Nepotism/cronyism
No documented nepotism or cronyism. Rhoden is a lifelong West River rancher (since 1981) with no complex business entanglements. His Lt. Gov. pick Tony Venhuizen was selected for demonstrated competence (chief of staff to two prior governors, SD Senate member). Chief of Staff Mackenzie Decker rose through 12 years of civil service. Contrast with Noem era: Noem faced controversy over daughter Kassidy's appraiser license involvement — no similar issues with Rhoden.
SD Ethics Commission Records; Financial Disclosures; Gov. Office Appointments
3
Senior staff criminal charges
Zero criminal charges against any Rhoden senior staff. The Noem-era Jason Ravnsborg controversy (AG who struck and killed a pedestrian in 2020, impeached 2022) predated Rhoden's governorship and involved an independently elected AG, not governor's staff. Rhoden's lean staff team (Decker as COS, Venhuizen as Lt. Gov.) has no criminal history issues. Small Pierre-based government limits staff exposure to misconduct vectors.
Court Records — South Dakota; SD Legislature Impeachment Records
2
Agency performance accountability
Agencies operating under Rhoden showing accountability on key metrics: DOC reduced job vacancies and prepared 133 FTEs for new women's prison; BFM delivered balanced FY2025 with $63M surplus; BIT addressed the Aug 2025 data center outage (caused by mislabeled wires) and secured $10M modernization funding; DSS managing Medicaid expansion enrollment at 30,367 (below projection). Rhoden restored $16.4M of $22M DHS cuts, signaling responsiveness to service needs.
SD DLA Reports; SD BFM; SD DOC; SD BIT; Gov. FY2027 Budget
2
Disaster declaration timeliness
Rhoden responded promptly to the Dec 17-18, 2025 historic winter windstorm that struck western SD (Custer, Fall River, Pennington counties) with sustained winds and gusts topping 90 mph. Issued state emergency declaration Jan 7, 2026, and requested presidential major disaster declaration on Jan 27, 2026. Storm downed trees and power lines, damaged infrastructure, and left thousands without electricity for days. SD also experienced tornadoes (June 28, July 28, 2025) and a derecho across southeast SD.
SD OEM Records; FEMA Disaster Declarations; KOTA (Jan 27, 2026)
3
FEMA Public Assistance secured
Rhoden requested presidential major disaster declaration for the Dec 2025 windstorm affecting 3 western SD counties. Also inherited FEMA DR-4807-SD (severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding June-July 2024) which provided Individual Assistance to 4 counties (Davison, Lincoln, Turner, Union) and Public Assistance to 25 counties. Proactively established GRIT task force (EO 2025-06) in anticipation of reduced federal FEMA funding under Trump's proposed FEMA restructuring.
FEMA PA Records DR-4807-SD; KOTA (Jan 27, 2026); EO 2025-06
3
Emergency reserve adequacy
Rhoden raised reserve target to 12.5% of general fund (~$413M), up from the traditional 10%, citing national economic uncertainty and low crop prices affecting SD agriculture. FY2025 surplus of $169M ($63M operating surplus + $106M unspent legislative funds) flowed into reserves. GRIT task force (EO 2025-06) specifically created to assess state capacity for disaster response as FEMA role potentially diminishes. Reserve levels well above adequacy thresholds for a ~920K population state.
SD State Treasurer Reserve Reports; Gov. FY2027 Budget Address; EO 2025-06
2
Lives lost — preventable from state failure
No preventable deaths attributed to state government failure under Rhoden. The Dec 2025 windstorm (90+ mph gusts) and 2025 tornado events (including EF2 tornado near Kadoka injuring 2 people) were managed without loss of life attributable to state response failures. Pine Ridge Reservation remains in a state of emergency with public safety concerns, but this falls primarily under federal/tribal jurisdiction. No state infrastructure failures caused fatalities.
SD OEM Reports; NWS Event Reports (June/July 2025); KOTA (Dec 2025)
2
Post-disaster recovery
Active recovery from Dec 2025 windstorm in western SD (Custer, Fall River, Pennington counties) — power restoration complicated by rugged Black Hills terrain and forest damage. Inherited recovery from FEMA DR-4807-SD (June-July 2024 storms) affecting 25 counties with Public Assistance and 4 counties with Individual Assistance. GRIT task force positioned to improve future recovery capabilities as state prepares for reduced federal disaster assistance.
FEMA PA Records DR-4807-SD; KOTA (Jan 2026); Gov. Office Press Records
2
Public health emergency response
No new public health emergencies under Rhoden. Inherited COVID aftermath from Noem's minimal-restriction approach (SD had among highest per-capita COVID death rates). Rhoden secured $189M first-year Rural Health Transformation Plan funding to strengthen SD healthcare: expanding community health workers, integrating behavioral health into primary care, improving chronic disease management, and supporting rural facilities. SD uninsured rate ~10% (improving with Medicaid expansion).
SD DOH Reports; Gov. State of the State (Jan 14, 2026); KFF SD Health Data
2
Infrastructure failure prevention
One notable infrastructure failure: Aug 2025 BIT data center outage (caused by mislabeled wires) shut down multiple state IT systems for 2 days. Rhoden responded by proposing $10M IT modernization in FY2027 budget plus $260K for cloud-based state radio backup. SD has 12.5% structurally deficient bridges (vs 7.5% national) — a persistent infrastructure deficit. SD DOT managing IIJA-funded projects including I-90 bridge work in Sioux Falls ($3.1M) and Hwy 45 reconstruction.
SD DOT Reports; StateScoop (Aug 2025 outage); Gov. FY2027 Budget
2
National Guard deployment appropriateness
Rhoden deployed ~50 troops of the 109th Engineer Battalion to the U.S.-Mexico border (Del Rio Sector, Eagle Pass TX) for a year-long deployment starting Oct 2024 to fight drug trafficking. Rhoden visited the troops May 20, 2025, touring the border with Texas DPS by airboat and helicopter. Also mobilized National Guard domestically in fall 2025 (drew criticism from a state representative for D.C. deployment). Continuing Noem's border support posture.
SD Military Department Records; SDPB (May 21, 2025); KELO (Sept 2025)
2
Emergency communication
Emergency communication tested during Dec 2025 windstorm (90+ mph gusts, western SD) — Rhoden communicated the emergency declaration and federal disaster request through press releases and media. FY2027 budget includes $260K for cloud-based state radio backup to maintain emergency communications during outages (responding to Aug 2025 BIT data center failure). Also proposed $296K increase for SDPB to support livestreaming of government proceedings.
Governor's Office Press Records; FY2027 Budget Address; SD OEM
3
Interagency coordination
GRIT task force (EO 2025-06) demonstrates proactive interagency coordination — includes representatives from state agencies, utilities, academia, cybersecurity, and emergency management, chaired by Lt. Gov. Venhuizen. Dec 2025 windstorm response required coordination between OEM, DOT, utilities, and National Guard for power restoration in Black Hills terrain. State-tribal coordination improved with SB 170 (cattle theft MOU with tribes) and 2026 bill recognizing tribal police as law enforcement.
SD OEM Records; EO 2025-06; SB 170 (2025); SD Searchlight (March 2026)
3
Pandemic response metrics
Post-pandemic period — COVID no longer an active emergency. SD had among the highest per-capita COVID death rates under Noem's minimal-restriction approach (no mask mandates, no business closures). Rhoden inherited this legacy. Currently focused on $189M Rural Health Transformation Plan to strengthen healthcare infrastructure for future health emergencies, including integrating behavioral health into primary care and expanding community health workers across rural SD.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — South Dakota; Gov. State of the State (Jan 2026)
2
Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure
Rhoden proactively established GRIT task force (EO 2025-06, June 2, 2025) to prepare for disaster self-reliance as Trump administration signals reduced FEMA role (led by former SD Gov. Noem as DHS Secretary). SD faces severe weather (tornadoes, derechos, blizzards), flood, and wildfire risks across 77,116 sq mi. Dec 2025 windstorm tested preparedness in Black Hills. FY2027 budget includes $10M IT hardening and $260K cloud radio backup for continuity.
SD OEM
2
FOIA/open records compliance
SD historically ranks poorly on open records (ranked 44th-50th in multiple national studies per Brechner Freedom of Information Project; ranked 50th by Better Government Association in 2008). Laws improved after SB 147 (2009) established a presumption of public access. Rhoden pledged to be 'open, transparent, and honest' and sought to contrast with Noem's transparency concerns (campaign plane use, appraiser license controversy). No major FOIA complaints filed against Rhoden administration.
SD AG Open Records Opinions; Brechner FOIP Studies; SD Searchlight
2
Governor's schedule availability
Governor's schedule published through governor.sd.gov. Rhoden described as governing 'without the baggage of the national spotlight' (SD Searchlight, Feb 4, 2025), spending more time on in-state governance than Noem did in her final years. Conducted border visit (May 20, 2025) to Eagle Pass TX, delivered State of the State (Jan 14, 2026) and budget address (Dec 2, 2025). Small-state governance allows relatively accessible scheduling.
Governor's Office Website — governor.sd.gov; SD Searchlight (Feb 2025)
2
Campaign finance compliance
Rhoden succeeded to the governorship by constitutional succession (Jan 27, 2025) — not elected as governor. No governor's campaign finance filings to scrutinize for the succession period. Now running for 2026 gubernatorial election (Republican primary June 2, 2026) — currently trailing Rep. Dusty Johnson in polls (17% vs 28% per Emerson College poll). Campaign finance for 2026 race under normal SOS disclosure rules. No violations reported.
SD Secretary of State Campaign Finance Records; Emerson Polling (2025)
3
Financial disclosure
Financial disclosures filed as required. Rhoden is a lifelong West River rancher (since 1981) and operated a custom welding business — financial interests are straightforward agricultural and small-business holdings. No complex investment portfolios, corporate boards, or financial entanglements that would create disclosure complications. Previously filed disclosures as state legislator (House 2001-2008, Senate after) and as Lt. Governor (2019-2025).
SD Ethics Records; Financial Disclosures; Governor's Official Bio
2
Open meetings compliance
SD open meetings law (SDCL 1-25) requires advance public notice and open access. Rhoden proposed $296K funding increase for SDPB to support livestreaming of legislative proceedings, demonstrating commitment to open government. No open meetings violations alleged against Rhoden administration. The GRIT task force (EO 2025-06) meetings include public-facing members from state agencies, industry, and academia, subject to open meetings requirements.
SD AG Open Meetings Guidance; SDCL 1-25; Gov. FY2027 Budget
3
Open data portal
SD operates the Open SD portal (open.sd.gov) providing real-time access to state government spending, individual employee salaries, financial publications, the state checkbook, contracts, budget, and tax expenditure data — linked directly to the state's accounting and payroll systems with continuous updates. Portal maintained under Rhoden without degradation. Also maintains southdakota.budget.socrata.com for interactive budget visualization. Adequate for a small state.
open.sd.gov; southdakota.budget.socrata.com; SD BFM
2
Budget transparency
BFM publishes comprehensive budget documents at bfm.sd.gov including the Governor's Budget Report, Budget in Brief, Summary Book, and Long-Term Financial Plan. Rhoden's FY2027 budget address (Dec 2, 2025) was publicly delivered and recorded. Supplemental slides published online. Budget includes the FY2025 ACFR showing state net position exceeding $10B. General fund grew 4.3% to $1.7B in FY2025. All budget data accessible through Open SD portal.
SD BFM Budget Publications — bfm.sd.gov; FY2027 Budget Address; open.sd.gov
2
Lobbying disclosure
SD Secretary of State Monae Johnson maintains the Lobbyist Registration System (sosenterprise.sd.gov) with online registration required for all lobbyists. SOS encouraged early registration ahead of 2025 legislative session (press release Dec 12, 2024). Lobbyist registration data is publicly searchable. The Summit Carbon Solutions/CO2 pipeline controversy demonstrated active lobbying disclosure — the 4-year landowner-vs-industry fight was well-documented publicly before Rhoden signed HB 1052.
SD Secretary of State Lobbying Records; SOS Press Release (Dec 12, 2024)
3
IG report publication
SD Department of Legislative Audit (DLA) publishes all audit reports on its website. DLA conducted the audits for the FY2024 ACFR (released Dec 31, 2024, showing $9.9B net position) and FY2025 ACFR (released Dec 31, 2025, showing net position exceeding $10B). DLA operates independently from the governor's office under legislative authority, ensuring reports are published without executive interference. No suppression or delay of audit reports under Rhoden.
SD DLA Website; SD BFM ACFR FY2024-2025
2
Legislative audit cooperation
Full cooperation between Rhoden's executive agencies and the Department of Legislative Audit. BFM and DLA jointly produced the FY2024 and FY2025 ACFRs on schedule. Rhoden's collaborative relationship with the legislature (stemming from his 18+ years as a legislator) extends to audit cooperation. No reports of executive branch interference with DLA access or findings. The AAA credit rating from all three agencies indirectly validates sound audit cooperation.
SD DLA Records; ACFR FY2024-2025; Credit Rating Reports
3
Press conference accessibility
Rhoden is generally accessible to SD press. Described by SD Searchlight as governing 'without the baggage of the national spotlight,' resetting relations with the press after Noem's sometimes combative media approach. Proposed $296K SDPB funding increase for livestreaming legislative proceedings. Held press events for major bill signings (SB 7 sanctuary ban Feb 7, HB 1052 CO2 pipeline ban March 6) and the budget address. Pierre-based governance facilitates press access.
Governor's Office Media Schedule; SD Searchlight (Feb 4, 2025)
2
State contract transparency
State contracts published through the Open SD portal (open.sd.gov), which links directly to the state's accounting systems for real-time data. Contract information for major projects (e.g., $87M women's prison, Journey Group Companies I-90 bridge work) publicly available. Bureau of Administration's Office of Procurement Management handles competitive bidding. No contract transparency complaints under Rhoden. Checkbook data publicly searchable.
SD BOF Procurement Records; open.sd.gov; SD BFM
3
Court order compliance
No court order compliance issues under Rhoden. HB 1259 (bathroom access bill) drew ACLU opposition and may face legal challenge, but no injunctions or court orders issued against the state as of March 2026. HB 1052 (CO2 pipeline eminent domain ban) prompted Summit Carbon Solutions to seek a PUC scheduling pause but no court challenge to the law itself. Rhoden has complied with existing judicial orders, including Medicaid expansion implementation despite personal opposition.
Court Records — South Dakota; ACLU-SD; SD PUC Records
2
Personal criminal charges
Zero criminal charges, investigations, or legal proceedings against Larry Rhoden personally. Clean record through 18+ years in state government (House 2001-2008, Senate, Lt. Gov. 2019-2025, Governor 2025-present). Served in SD National Guard (1978-1985) with honorable record. Lifelong rancher with no business litigation of note. No federal, state, or local criminal matters.
Court Records — Federal and State; DOJ; SD DCI
3
Ethics complaints — substantiated
Zero substantiated ethics complaints against Rhoden as governor, Lt. Governor, or state legislator. Clean 18+ year record in SD government. Contrasts with Noem era which drew ethics scrutiny over her daughter Kassidy Peters' appraiser license involvement (where Noem's Labor Secretary met with the board while Kassidy's application was pending). Rhoden's rancher background and lack of complex business interests minimize ethics exposure.
SD Ethics Commission Records; SD DLA Reports
3
Gift/travel disclosure
Gift and travel disclosures filed as required. Notable travel: border visit to Eagle Pass TX (May 20, 2025) to inspect SD National Guard 109th Engineer Battalion deployment — hosted by Texas DPS for airboat and helicopter tour of Rio Grande. Contrast with Noem's campaign plane use controversy. Rhoden's travel profile is modest and focused on in-state governance and border security. No allegations of undisclosed gifts or improper travel.
SD Ethics Records; SDPB (May 21, 2025); Gov. Office Travel Records
2
Conflict of interest
No documented conflicts of interest. Rhoden's financial interests center on his West River ranching operation (since 1981) and a custom welding business — standard agricultural holdings properly disclosed. His signing of HB 1052 (CO2 pipeline eminent domain ban) aligned with landowner interests statewide, including potentially ranching interests, but reflected overwhelming legislative and constituent support (4-year controversy). No blind trust issues or complex financial arrangements.
SD Ethics Commission; Financial Disclosures; Gov. Office Bio
3
State resources for political purposes
No documented misuse of state resources for political purposes. Rhoden now running for 2026 gubernatorial election but no allegations of using the governor's office for campaign advantage. Contrast with Noem's final years when her national political ambitions drew scrutiny about state resource usage (campaign plane, book tour). Rhoden's low-key, in-state focused governing style reduces the risk of state resource misuse for political purposes.
SD Ethics Records; SD Searchlight; DakotaNewsNow
2
Truthfulness in official statements
No documented falsehoods or misleading official statements. Rhoden's public communications have been straightforward: acknowledged Medicaid costs were 'less than originally thought' ($45M vs higher projections), honestly characterized FY2027 budget as a 'limited budget' reflecting fiscal constraints. His framing of HB 1052 as 'a needed reset' rather than a pipeline kill was measured and accurate. Pledged to be 'open, transparent, and honest' — no contradictions documented.
Governor's Office Public Statements; FY2027 Budget Address; SD Searchlight
2
Protection of ethics infrastructure
Ethics infrastructure unchanged under Rhoden. SD Ethics Commission, Secretary of State lobbying registration, DLA audit function, and AG open records/meetings oversight all continue operating without budget cuts or structural changes. Rhoden's FY2027 budget maintained funding for oversight bodies. Signed 'good government' bills (March 27, 2025) that included transparency-related measures. No efforts to weaken ethics reporting or oversight mechanisms.
SD Ethics Budget Records; Gov. FY2027 Budget; DRGNews (March 27, 2025)
2
Emoluments/self-dealing
Zero documented self-dealing or emoluments issues. Rhoden's financial profile is a working cattle ranch and welding business — no real estate development, corporate board seats, or investment holdings that could create self-dealing opportunities. Governor's salary is the state's established compensation. No foreign business dealings or payments. The simplicity of Rhoden's financial interests minimizes emoluments risk compared to governors with complex business portfolios.
SD Ethics Financial Disclosures; Gov. Office Records
3
Campaign donor to state contract pipeline
No documented pay-to-play or donor-to-contract pipeline. Rhoden's HB 1052 signing (CO2 pipeline eminent domain ban) went against Summit Carbon Solutions' interests despite the company's significant lobbying presence in Pierre, demonstrating willingness to oppose well-funded industry interests. Procurement managed through the Bureau of Administration's competitive bidding process. State contracts published on open.sd.gov. No donor favoritism allegations.
SD Ethics Records; Secretary of State Campaign Finance; open.sd.gov
3
Foreign influence
No foreign influence concerns. Rhoden is a lifelong South Dakotan with no foreign business ties, travel history to foreign countries in an official capacity beyond standard NGA meetings, or foreign government contacts. SD's economy is domestically oriented (agriculture, financial services, tourism, military). No FARA registrations associated with Rhoden or his staff. Rhoden's focus on national security as SD's 'next big industry' (State of the State, Jan 2026) signals alignment with domestic defense priorities.
DOJ FARA Database; Gov. State of the State (Jan 14, 2026)
3
Sexual harassment claims
Zero sexual harassment claims against Rhoden or his senior staff. Rhoden graduated from Sunshine Bible Academy (1977), served in the SD National Guard (1978-1985), and has been ranching since 1981. Clean personal record through 18+ years in state government. No allegations during House majority leader tenure, Senate service, Lt. Governor term, or as Governor. SD BHR workplace complaint data shows no gubernatorial office claims.
SD BHR Records; Court Records; Gov. Office HR Records
3
Records preservation
No records preservation issues or allegations of records destruction. SD's state records retention schedule maintained by the State Archives. Rhoden's FY2027 budget proposed $10M for IT modernization including system hardening after the Aug 2025 data center outage — this investment indirectly supports records preservation by preventing data loss. No allegations of email deletion, document shredding, or records concealment. Transition from Noem administration preserved institutional records.
SD State Archives Records Retention; Gov. FY2027 Budget; BIT Records
3
Revolving door
No revolving door issues. Rhoden transitioned directly from Lt. Governor to Governor through constitutional succession — not a private-sector revolving door. His key appointees came from government backgrounds: Venhuizen (chief of staff to two prior governors, then state senator), Decker (12 years in state agencies). Rhoden's own career path was ranching to state legislature to Lt. Gov. to Governor — a conventional political career without industry-to-government cycling.
SD Ethics Records; Gov. Office Appointment Records
3
Fraud losses in state programs
No significant fraud events in state programs under Rhoden. SD's small population (~920K) and conservative program administration limit fraud exposure. Medicaid expansion enrollment below initial projections (30,367 vs higher estimates) suggesting careful eligibility screening rather than over-enrollment. DSS uses the federal SAVE system for benefits verification. FY2025 closed with a $63M surplus, indicating expenditures tracking appropriately without evidence of systematic fraud.
SD DLA Reports; SD DSS Program Integrity; FY2025 Financial Results
3
Program integrity — eligibility verification
SD DSS eligibility verification systems operational for all major programs (Medicaid, SNAP, TANF). SAVE system verifies immigration status for benefits. Medicaid expansion enrollment carefully managed — Rhoden noted costs at $45M are 'less than originally thought.' SB 7 (sanctuary city ban) reinforces immigration verification across state programs. Secretary of State enacted SAVE voter roll verification (March 2026) for election integrity. Verification infrastructure sound across programs.
SD DSS Program Integrity; DHS SAVE; Gov. FY2027 Budget Address
3
IT system modernization
Aug 2025 BIT data center outage (caused by mislabeled wires) shut down multiple state IT systems for 2 days, exposing infrastructure vulnerabilities. Rhoden responded with $10M one-time IT modernization proposal in FY2027 budget to harden systems and equipment. Also proposed $260K for cloud-based state radio backup for continuity during outages. SD BIT previously recognized for modernization success (StateScoop profile), but the outage revealed gaps. SD centralized IT under BIT manages all state agency technology.
SD BIT Reports; StateScoop (Aug 2025); Gov. FY2027 Budget
2
Permit processing timeliness
SD consistently ranked among the fastest and most business-friendly states for permitting. No income tax, constitutional carry, minimal licensing burden. Rhoden signed HB 1052 blocking CO2 pipeline eminent domain, which caused Summit Carbon Solutions to request a PUC scheduling pause — but this protected property rights rather than adding permitting burden. GOED (Governor's Office of Economic Development) maintained standard processing. SD DOT managing IIJA-funded construction permits efficiently.
SD GOED; Census Building Permits — SD; SD PUC Records
2
Child welfare system
SD child welfare system faces significant challenges: 1,710 children in foster care (FY2024) with only 793 licensed foster homes (FY2025, lowest since 2020). 72.5% of foster children are Native American (June 30, 2024) while only ~11% of foster families are Native American. Reunification rate declined from 75% (FY2020) to 58% (FY2025). DSS implemented new licensed kinship care pathways (June 2025) to increase foster placements and reduce barriers for kinship families.
ACF CFSR Results — South Dakota; SD DSS Data; SD Searchlight (May 6, 2025; Dec 16, 2025)
2
Medicaid program management
Medicaid expansion (Amendment D, voter-approved Nov 2022) fully operational — enrollment at 30,367 adults projected for FY2027, costing $45M in state general funds (below initial projections). Medicaid now surpasses K-12 as SD's largest expenditure for first time. Federal FMAP match near 50% — highest ever for SD. Rhoden's FY2027 budget holds Medicaid provider reimbursement rates flat, drawing criticism from healthcare advocates. SD uninsured rate ~10% and improving. Work requirements under consideration.
CMS Medicaid Reviews — SD; SD DSS Enrollment Data; Gov. FY2027 Budget Address; SD Searchlight
2
Environmental program
SD DANR programs meeting EPA standards. Rhoden's signature environmental action was HB 1052 — banning eminent domain for CO2 pipelines, which prioritized landowner property rights over the Summit Carbon Solutions carbon capture project. This effectively stalled the pipeline (Summit requested indefinite PUC scheduling extension) but protected private property. SD DANR continues standard air quality, water quality, and waste management programs. BEAD broadband deployment uses 60% fiber/38% LEO satellite approach.
EPA State Program Evaluations — SD; SD DANR Reports; HB 1052 Records
2
Transportation project delivery
SD DOT managing inherited project pipeline: $3.1M I-90/I-29 bridge project in Sioux Falls (Journey Group Companies, completed Sept 2025), Highway 45 reconstruction (12-mile stretch near Miller), 10th/11th Streets Viaduct Replacement Study in Sioux Falls. 2025-2028 STIP (Statewide Transportation Improvement Program) published for public comment. SD has 12.5% structurally deficient bridges (vs 7.5% national) — a persistent challenge given vast highway network for small population (~920K over 77,116 sq mi).
SD DOT Annual Reports; SD DOT Construction Projects; FHWA NBI Data
2
Unemployment insurance system
SD DLR unemployment insurance system functioning in a historically tight labor market. SD had the nation's lowest unemployment rate at 1.8% in April 2025 (BLS). Rate rose to 2.2% by December 2025, with nonfarm employment growing by 2,900 workers (0.6%) over the year. Low unemployment minimizes UI claims volume and fraud risk. UI system infrastructure inherited from prior administration with no reported processing failures or backlogs.
SD DLR Reports; BLS LAUS SD Data; DOL UI Performance Data
2
Veterans services
Rhoden signed military and veterans bills into law (March 29, 2025). As a former SD National Guard member (1978-1985), he has personal military service background. SD Veterans Home in Hot Springs continues operating. Ellsworth AFB (Rapid City) is SD's largest military installation — receiving $2.6B in B-21 Raider funding and $282M in construction through FY2025 NDAA. Rhoden visited SD Guard 109th Engineer Battalion at the southern border (May 2025).
SD DVA Annual Reports; DRGNews (March 29, 2025); SDPB (May 21, 2025)
2
Housing program effectiveness
SD housing remains affordable by national standards (BEA RPP 89-91, prices 9-11% below national average). Median home value ~$290K in Sioux Falls metro. However, Sioux Falls experiencing rapid population growth driving housing cost increases. Rhoden's State of the State (Jan 2026) proposed property tax relief — replacing county property tax share with a half-cent sales tax option. Rural areas remain very affordable but face declining population. South Dakota Housing Development Authority programs functioning.
HUD Annual Homeless Assessment — SD; Census ACS Housing Data; Gov. State of State (Jan 2026)
2
Corrections system
SD has the world's highest rate of female incarceration — women's prison in Pierre at 150% capacity with ~600 women. The new $87M women's prison in Rapid City (groundbreaking summer 2024) will add 288 beds and is on schedule for July 2026 opening. Rhoden's FY2027 budget includes $13.2M for 133 new prison FTEs at $25.50/hr starting pay (43% increase from 3 years ago). Prison will use therapeutic community model for substance use disorder treatment — first in SD. DOC reducing job vacancies with loan repayment/scholarship programs.
SD DOC Population Reports; Gov. FY2027 Budget; SD Searchlight (Dec 4, 2025)
2
Federal funding captured
SD captures federal funding well above its population share: top 10 per-capita IIJA state; $204M BEAD broadband allocation; $189M first-year Rural Health Transformation Plan (part of $500M over 5 years); $2.6B B-21 Raider program at Ellsworth AFB + $282M construction funding. Rhoden declared national security as SD's 'next big industry' in State of the State (Jan 2026). SD benefits from Sen. Thune (Senate Majority Leader) and Rep. Johnson's federal appropriations influence.
USASpending.gov — South Dakota; FY2025 NDAA; Gov. State of State (Jan 2026)
2
Federal corrective action plans
No outstanding federal corrective action plans for SD state programs. Medicaid expansion implementation compliant with CMS requirements (enrollment at 30,367 adults). Federal concern raised about SD's Medicaid work requirements potentially being 'an exercise in futility' (SD Searchlight, May 30, 2025) given evolving federal policy, but no formal corrective action. CFSR Round 4 child welfare review conducted with Feb 2025 data profile — results being implemented through DSS kinship care reforms.
Federal Program Reviews — SD; SD Searchlight (May 30, 2025); ACF CFSR
2
Interstate cooperation
SD participates in standard interstate compacts. Rhoden is a member of the Western Governors' Association (WGA). The CO2 pipeline controversy (HB 1052) had interstate dimensions — Summit Carbon Solutions' pipeline would have crossed SD, ND, IA, MN, and NE — Rhoden's eminent domain ban aligned with similar landowner resistance in neighboring states. Border security cooperation with Texas (109th Engineer Battalion deployment). SD National Guard homecoming for troops returning from border service.
Interstate Compact Records; WGA; SDPB (May 2025); DRGNews
3
Local government relations
Rhoden's State of the State (Jan 2026) addressed local concerns directly: proposed property tax relief plan giving every county the option to replace county property taxes with a half-cent sales tax. Improved tribal relations — pledged 'reset' with SD's 9 federally recognized tribes, signed cattle theft cooperation bill (SB 170) and tribal police recognition bill (March 2026). SD Municipal League initially opposed HB 1259 (bathroom bill) citing implementation concerns. 66 counties and ~130 municipalities in SD facilitate direct governor-local coordination.
SD Municipal League; Association of Counties; Gov. State of State (Jan 2026)
2
Federal litigation costs
Minimal federal litigation costs. AG Marty Jackley (who also visited the southern border May 2025) managing inherited cases. HB 1259 (bathroom bill) may generate ACLU federal litigation (ACLU-SD publicly opposed) but no suit filed as of March 2026. SD has historically joined multi-state amicus briefs supporting immigration enforcement. No major original federal lawsuits initiated by Rhoden administration. SD's small size and conservative governance limit federal litigation exposure.
SD AG Litigation Records; ACLU-SD; Federal Court Records
2
Constituent inquiry response
Governor's office constituent services operational. SD's small population (~920K) and Pierre-based governance facilitate relatively direct constituent access compared to large states. Rhoden's website (governor.sd.gov) and social media channels active. His rancher background and 18+ years as a state legislator gave him existing constituent relationships across the state, particularly in rural West River communities. No reports of constituent service failures or backlogs.
Governor's Office Internal Metrics; governor.sd.gov
2
Town halls held
Rhoden made public appearances across SD in his first year: delivered State of the State address (Jan 14, 2026), FY2027 budget address (Dec 2, 2025), and attended bill signing ceremonies in Pierre. Visited SD National Guard at the southern border (May 20, 2025). Held public events for major bill signings. SD Searchlight noted he is governing 'without the baggage of the national spotlight' — suggesting more in-state engagement than Noem's final years. Establishing a presence as an accessible, in-state governor.
Governor's Office Schedule; SD Searchlight (Feb 4, 2025)
2
Constituent satisfaction
Morning Consult ranked Rhoden as the 13th most popular governor nationally with 54% approval and 27% disapproval (end of 2025). Earlier polls showed 57% approval with only 21% disapproval. However, support has eroded: Emerson College poll shows Rhoden trailing Rep. Dusty Johnson 17% to 28% in the 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary. Multiple challengers (Johnson, Doeden, Hansen) have surged. Rhoden is running for a full term but faces a competitive primary.
Morning Consult Governor Approval Tracking; Emerson College Polling (2025); SDNewsWatch
2
ADA compliance
Standard ADA compliance maintained. HB 1259 (bathroom access bill restricting transgender facility use in state-owned buildings and schools) could potentially intersect with ADA concerns regarding disability accommodations, but the law focuses on sex-based access rather than disability. No DOJ ADA enforcement actions against SD. New $87M women's prison in Rapid City being built to current ADA standards. State facilities compliance inherited without degradation.
SD DHS; DOJ ADA Reviews; SD DOC Construction Standards
3
Electoral accountability
Rhoden succeeded to governorship by constitutional succession (Jan 27, 2025) when Noem resigned for DHS. He was elected Lt. Governor on the Noem ticket in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, giving indirect electoral mandate. Now running for 2026 full term (Republican primary June 2, 2026) but faces competitive primary — trailing Rep. Dusty Johnson 28% to 17% per Emerson poll, with challengers Doeden and Hansen also surging. SD uses 35% runoff threshold if no candidate clears it.
SD Secretary of State; SD Constitution Art. IV §6; Emerson College Polling (2025)
2

Section B — State Outcomes 523/975

13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.

BEA SAGDP: SD GDP ~$65B. BLS LAUS: unemployment ~2.0% (among lowest nationally). No state income tax — attractive for businesses. Census ACS median household income ~$67,000 (below national but no income tax offsets). Economy diversified — agriculture, financial services (credit card industry in Sioux Falls), tourism (Mt. Rushmore). Strong job growth. Inherited from Noem.
Census July 2025: SD population 928,767 — growth rate 1.17% annually (11th fastest nationally, +4.3% since 2020). Sioux Falls added 5,615 residents (2025), up 2.3%, nearing 250,000 — city grew 12.28% since 2020 Census. Sioux Falls + Rapid City MSAs now home to 50% of state population (464,493 combined, 2023). Minnehaha and Lincoln counties captured 3/4 of total net migration. Sioux Falls MSA +7.6% since 2020; Rapid City MSA +6.0%. Rural areas show complex pattern — not just outmigration but also some return migration (SD News Watch). Small base means absolute numbers limited.
AAA/Aaa credit rating. SDRS pension ~100% funded (among best nationally). NO general obligation debt. Budget balanced. No income tax. Reserve funds healthy. Among strongest state fiscal positions in nation. ALL INHERITED from prior administrations.
SD AG 2024 statewide report: 67,959 criminal offenses (+1.21% YoY). Violent crime up 2.53% (47,070 offenses). Homicides surged to 31 (2024) from 18 (2023). 5,493 DUI arrests and 6,751 drug offenses (both up YoY). Sioux Falls 2025: violent crime at 5-year low (4.74/1,000, down from 5.69). Sioux Falls homicides 11 (2025) vs 16 (2024). Sioux Falls property crime per capita down 26% (2024-2025). Violent crime rate remains surprisingly high for rural state (~501/100K, 2022 FBI UCR) — driven by Sioux Falls metro, Native American reservation data, and methamphetamine crisis.
NAEP 2022: 4th grade math 237 (above national 235), 8th grade reading 264 (above national 260). Graduation rate ~85%. Teacher pay among lowest nationally (~$49K vs ~$65K national average). Education outcomes decent despite low spending — small class sizes help. Achievement gaps for Native American students severe.
Census ACS uninsured rate ~10% (improving with Medicaid expansion implementation). CDC: life expectancy ~76.7 (slightly below national). Infant mortality 7.1/1K (above national 5.4). Rural health access extremely limited. Native American health outcomes among worst in nation. Medicaid expansion (voter-approved 2022) helping but early.
FHWA NBI: 12.5% bridges structurally deficient (above national 7.5% — poor). Vast road network for tiny population (highway miles per capita among highest). Roads generally adequate. Broadband expansion in progress for rural areas. Infrastructure spread thin over large geography.
BEA RPP: ~89-91 (prices 9-11% below national). No income tax (major advantage). Housing affordable — median home ~$290K (Sioux Falls) to much less rurally. Property taxes moderate. Very affordable state. Major draw for in-migration.
SD transparency historically below average — BGA ranked SD 50th nationally in transparency (2008). Improved after SB 147 (2009) overhauled Open Records Law to presume all records public unless exempt. Still has 35 exemptions (many borrowed from federal FOIA and Nebraska law). Noem administration had transparency concerns: campaign plane use, daughter's real estate appraiser license scandal, $54M prison construction spending without legislative support. Rhoden hit 'reset' — replaced Noem's out-of-state ideologues with lifelong South Dakotans as staff. Legislative Audit office (legislativeaudit.sd.gov) publishes reports. No mandated response deadline for records requests. Open data limited for small state.
Rhoden himself has minimal controversy — only 2 months in office. INHERITED from Noem: COVID minimal restrictions with high death rate per capita, daughter's appraiser license scandal, campaign plane usage controversy, shooting of family dog (personal reputation issue), general controversy around Noem's national political ambitions vs state governance. Rhoden's succession itself was clean.
Predecessor comparison: Noem (2019-2025) was first female SD governor, gained national profile through minimal-COVID-restrictions approach and 'Freedom Works Here' business recruitment campaign. But Noem became more focused on national ambitions than state governance — $54M prison debacle ($825M plan collapsed), daughter's appraiser license scandal, campaign plane controversies, shooting family dog revelation. Rhoden explicitly 'hit reset' (SD Searchlight) — replaced out-of-state staff with lifelong South Dakotans, formed 'Project Prison Reset' task force. Inherited strong fiscal position (AAA credit, 100% pension, no GO debt, no income tax) but also high crime for rural state, poor health outcomes (infant mortality 7.1/1K), 12.5% bridge deficiency rate. Too early for independent historical assessment at ~2 months tenure.
No electoral mandate — succeeded to office. No meaningful approval polling yet. Served as Lt. Governor since 2019 — known quantity in SD politics. Will face voters in 2026 if he runs. Currently governing as caretaker with continuity from Noem era.
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Section C — Oath Fidelity +157 (-378 to +378)

126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.

+3Exemplary +2Strong +1Adequate 0Neutral -1Concerning -2Failing -3Hostile

Protection of Life

Declaration of Independence; 5th/14th Amendments
Score: 29 Range: -93 to 93 Items: 31
Violent crime rate trend
SD violent crime rate approximately 290-310 per 100K, below national average and stable. Low population density limits urban crime. Standard law enforcement.
FBI UCR 2023; SD DCI
+2
Homicide rate relative to national average
SD homicide rate approximately 2.5-3.5 per 100K, well below national average. Small population creates statistical volatility. Generally safe state.
FBI UCR 2023; CDC WONDER
+2
Homicide clearance rate
SD homicide clearance rate adequate given small caseload. DCI assists local law enforcement. Limited cases allow focused investigation.
FBI UCR; SD DCI
+1
Law enforcement staffing adequacy
SD law enforcement staffing adequate for low-population state. Rural patrol challenges typical of Great Plains states. Highway patrol fully staffed.
FBI LEOKA; SD DCI
+1
Drug overdose death rate trend
SD drug overdose death rate approximately 14-16 per 100K, near national average. Methamphetamine primary concern rather than fentanyl. Rate stable.
CDC WONDER; SD DOH
0
Emergency management preparedness (FEMA rating)
SD emergency management adequate. Tornado and severe weather preparedness standard for Great Plains. FEMA compliance maintained.
FEMA SPR; SD OEM
+1
Preventable mass-casualty event response
No major mass-casualty events during Rhoden's short tenure. Standard preparedness maintained. SD well-practiced in severe weather response.
FEMA; SD OEM
+1
Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions
SD infrastructure in moderate condition. ASCE grade C+. Low population density means extensive road network relative to population. IIJA funding improving trajectory.
FHWA NBI; ASCE SD report card
+1
Water and dam safety compliance
SD water systems generally compliant. Western SD faces some drought challenges. Dam safety program adequate. No major contamination events.
EPA SDWIS; SD DENR
+1
Healthcare access — uninsured rate
SD uninsured rate approximately 8-9%. Medicaid expansion approved by voters Nov 2022, enrollment at 30,367 adults. Coverage improving.
Census ACS; KFF; SD DSS
+1
Maternal mortality rate
SD maternal mortality rate moderate, below national average. Small population creates statistical variation. Rural access challenges.
CDC WONDER
+1
Infant mortality rate
SD infant mortality rate approximately 5.5-6.0 per 1,000, near national average. Some tribal health disparities.
CDC WONDER
+1
Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground
SD has Castle Doctrine, Stand Your Ground, and constitutional carry (enacted 2019 under Noem). No duty to retreat. Strong self-defense protections.
SD statutes; constitutional carry 2019
+3
Death penalty procedural safeguards
SD does not have death penalty for most crimes (abolished 2007 legislative vote). LWOP available. Victim services funded. Abolitionist with adequate alternatives.
DPIC; SD statutes
+1
Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes
SD suicide rate approximately 20-22 per 100K, significantly above national average. Rural isolation, agricultural stress, and tribal communities contribute. Prevention programs underfunded relative to need.
CDC WISQARS; AFSP SD
-1
911/emergency response time adequacy
SD emergency response times average for rural Great Plains state. Long distances create inherent response challenges. Volunteer fire departments prevalent.
NFPA; SD EMS
0
Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding
SD has standard drug interdiction. Methamphetamine primary concern. Some treatment funding. I-90 corridor monitoring. Moderate investment.
SAMHSA; SD DOH
0
Veteran suicide and healthcare access
SD has Ellsworth AFB and veteran population. Standard state veteran services coordinating with federal VA. Governor's Military and Veterans Affairs.
VA SAIL; SD MVA
+1
Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement
SD Department of Health food safety inspections adequate. No major outbreaks. Standard compliance.
FDA; SD DOH
+1
Workplace fatality rate
SD workplace fatality rate approximately 4.5-5.5 per 100K FTE due to agriculture and ranching. Near national average given industry mix.
BLS CFOI; OSHA
0
Domestic violence fatality rate and funding
SD has standard domestic violence programs. Limited shelter capacity in rural areas. Rate near national average.
NNEDV; SD DV data
0
Correctional facility death rate and conditions
SD state penitentiary operates with moderate population. New prison construction ($612.5M set aside in ACFR). No active DOJ investigations. Standard conditions.
BJS mortality; SD DOC
+1
Pollution-related mortality and environmental health
SD meets EPA NAAQS standards. Low industrial density. Standard environmental compliance. No major pollution-related health issues.
EPA Green Book; SD DENR
+1
Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate
SD traffic fatality rate approximately 1.3-1.5 per 100M VMT, near to slightly above national average. Long rural highway distances contribute.
NHTSA FARS; SD DOT
0
Sanctity of life legislative framework
SD enacted trigger law post-Dobbs banning virtually all abortions. Among strongest pro-life frameworks nationally. Clinic safety regulations maintained.
Guttmacher; SD abortion statutes
+2
Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence
SD has low homelessness rates; maintained supportive housing programs.
SD Housing Authority; SD Searchlight
+1
Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion
SD is growing (11,000 net migration gain). No major EMS/hospital closures.
moverjunction.com; SD population data
0
Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement
Signed $650M prison replacement plan. First bill signed (SB 7) protected LEOs carrying out immigration enforcement.
SD Searchlight 2025-01-28
+2
Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail
New prison addresses overcrowding. Conservative state with no early release or no-cash-bail policies.
SD Searchlight
+1
Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities
SD already has transgender athlete ban signed by Noem in 2022. Maintained under Rhoden.
PBS; ESPN
+2
Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention
Signed bill legalizing synthetic psilocybin for mental health therapy.
Yahoo News; SD Legislature
+1

Constitutional Rights

Bill of Rights (Amendments I-X); 14th Amendment incorporation
Score: 42 Range: -87 to 87 Items: 29
Second Amendment — right to carry status
SD has constitutional carry (enacted 2019). No permit required. Strong preemption.
SD statutes; USCCA
+3
Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions
No restrictions on semi-automatic rifles beyond federal law. SD Second Amendment sanctuary considerations.
SD statutes; ATF
+3
Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions
No magazine capacity restrictions in SD.
SD statutes; NRA-ILA
+2
Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process
SD has no ERPO/red flag law. Strong due process emphasis.
SD statutes; ERPO tracker
+3
First Amendment — campus free speech protections
SD has limited campus free speech protections. Board of Regents policy protects expression. No comprehensive statute.
FIRE; SD BOR
+1
First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections
SD has no anti-SLAPP statute. Limited common law protections.
Public Participation Project
0
First Amendment — religious liberty protections
SD has no formal state RFRA but strong cultural support for religious liberty. No documented restrictions on religious exercise.
Becket Fund; SD law
+1
Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance
SD relies on federal Carpenter standard. No comprehensive state electronic privacy statute.
EFF; SD statutes
0
Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform
SD has moderate civil asset forfeiture protections. Some reform enacted. Standard procedures.
Institute for Justice; SD law
0
Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo
SD has some post-Kelo reform limiting takings for private benefit.
Castle Coalition; SD law
+1
Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines
SD permitting generally efficient. Low regulatory burden state. Standard processing times.
SD permitting data
+1
Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance
Rhoden joined multistate coalition challenging federal overreach. Noem-era sovereignty positions maintained. Active 10th Amendment posture.
Multistate litigation; SD AG
+2
Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination
Standard race-neutral contracting. SFFA compliance proceeding.
SD procurement; SFFA
+1
Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws
SD has state preemption of local firearms laws. Effective preemption.
SD statutes; NRA-ILA
+2
First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance
SD has open records law with moderate compliance. Some transparency gaps in rural government.
RCFP; SD open records
+1
Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy
SD public defender system faces resource constraints. Statewide system but caseloads challenging.
Sixth Amendment Center; SD PD
0
Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention
SD bail system standard. Some reform elements. Cash bail with risk assessment for serious offenses.
Pretrial Justice Institute; SD courts
+1
Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom
SD has no income tax, among freest economic environments nationally. Low regulatory burden. CATO economic freedom top 5.
Mercatus; CATO Freedom Index
+3
Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms cases
SD AG generally supports 2A rights. Neutral-to-supportive litigation posture.
SD AG litigation
+1
First Amendment — compelled speech protections
No compelled speech laws in SD. Standard protections.
SD statutes
+1
Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers
SD has reasonable interstate commerce environment. Universal license recognition progress.
IJ; SD reciprocity
+1
Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform
SD has moderate occupational licensing reform. Some universal recognition provisions.
IJ License to Work; NCSL
+1
Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations
SDRS funded ratio 100.0% (June 30, 2024) — 29th time in last 34 valuations at 100%+. AAA credit rating from all three agencies. Model pension management.
SDRS Actuarial; S&P/Moody's/Fitch
+3
Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access
Standard jury trial access in SD. No significant issues.
SD court reports
+1
Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause adherence
SD cooperates with federal immigration enforcement. No sanctuary policies. Anti-illegal-immigration posture. No E-Verify mandate statewide but state contractors required.
8 USC §1373; SD immigration policy
+2
Qualified immunity / due process for officers
SB 7 provides protections for LEOs carrying out immigration enforcement.
KSCJ; Yahoo News
+1
Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody
SD has voter ID. Signed SB 68 requiring citizenship verification and SB 75 requiring citizenship on IDs.
SD Searchlight 2026-03-08
+2
Non-citizen voting prevention
Signed laws requiring citizenship proof for voter eligibility (SB 68) and citizenship on IDs (SB 75). Constitutional amendment on ballot.
SD Searchlight 2026-03-08
+2
Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics
SD has existing transgender athlete ban (2022). Rhoden maintained with no rollbacks.
PBS; CBS News
+2

Child Welfare & Parental Rights

Meyer v. Nebraska (1923); Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925); Troxel v. Granville (2000)
Score: 22 Range: -75 to 75 Items: 25
Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition
SD has some parental rights protections in education code. No comprehensive Parental Bill of Rights statute.
SD education code
+1
Education choice — school choice programs
SD has limited school choice programs. Open enrollment. Charter schools not authorized. Tax credit scholarships limited.
EdChoice SD; NAPCS
+1
Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors
SD requires parental consent for abortion and medical procedures on minors. Standard framework.
Guttmacher; SD Code
+2
Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions
SD enacted Help Not Harm Act banning gender-transition medical procedures for minors (signed by Noem 2023). Maintained under Rhoden.
SD Help Not Harm Act; Reuters
+2
Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend
SD child abuse rate near national average. DSS handles investigations. Standard system.
ACF NCANDS; SD DSS
+1
Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment
SD CFSR performance mixed. Standard improvement plans.
ACF CFSR; SD DSS
0
Foster care — permanency outcomes
SD foster care permanency outcomes average. Some delays in tribal jurisdiction cases.
ACF AFCARS; SD DSS
0
Child trafficking prevention and prosecution
SD has trafficking statute and task force. AG enforcement. Standard capacity for small state.
Polaris; Shared Hope; SD AG
+1
Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency
SD NAEP 4th grade reading approximately 33-35% proficient, above national average. Moderate performance.
NCES NAEP 2024
+1
Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency
SD NAEP 8th grade math approximately 28-32% proficient, near to above national average.
NCES NAEP 2024
+1
Parental curriculum transparency
SD has standard parental curriculum review rights. Some opt-out provisions.
SD education code
+1
Social media — minor protections
SD has limited social media protections for minors.
NCSL tracker
0
Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment
SD juvenile jurisdiction to 18. Standard transfer provisions. Some rehabilitation programs.
OJJDP SD
+1
Child poverty rate and state response
SD child poverty rate approximately 12-14%, below national average. Agricultural economy provides family stability.
Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT
+1
Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support
Standard adoption framework in SD. Subsidized adoption available.
ACF AFCARS; SD DSS
+1
Homeschool rights and protections
SD has low-regulation homeschool environment. Notification only. No mandatory testing or curriculum. Diploma recognition.
HSLDA SD; SD Code
+2
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) enforcement
SD ICAC task force operational. AG prosecution active. Standard capacity.
ICAC; SD AG
+1
School safety — violence prevention and incident response
SD has school safety programs. SRO availability in many schools. Standard framework.
NASRO; SD DOE
+1
Children's mental health services access
SD school counselor ratio moderate. Rural access challenges. Average mental health services access.
ASCA; SAMHSA SD
0
Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections
SD allows religious and medical exemptions for vaccination. Strong parental choice culture.
NCSL; SD Code
+2
Child care affordability and access
SD child care affordability moderate. Rural child care access challenging. Some subsidy programs.
ACF CCDF
0
Education — teacher quality and retention
SD teacher salaries below national average. Recruitment challenges in rural areas. Some pay increases funded.
NCES; NEA; SD DOE
0
Child nutrition — food insecurity rate
SD child food insecurity moderate, below national average. School meal programs operational.
USDA ERS; Feeding America
+1
Custody and family court — due process in child removal
SD has standard due process in family court. Santosky-compliant. Some tribal court jurisdiction complexity.
SD Code; ABA
+1
Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance
SD IDEA compliance standard. OSEP determinations vary. Most districts compliant.
OSEP; SD DOE
0

Faithful Discharge of Duties

Gubernatorial oath; Art. IV Sec. 4; state constitutional requirements
Score: 64 Range: -123 to 123 Items: 41
Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit
SD balanced budget with $63M surplus (FY2025). No structural deficit. Conservative fiscal approach. Rhoden proposed flat spending in FY2027.
SD BFM; NASBO
+2
State credit rating stability
SD maintains AAA/Aaa/AAA from all three agencies — 9th consecutive year. Among only ~13 states with triple-AAA.
S&P; Moody's; Fitch
+3
Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy
Rhoden proposed raising rainy day reserves to 12.5% of general fund (~$413M). FY2025 surplus flowed to reserves. Strong reserve management.
SD BFM; Pew
+2
Pension system funding responsibility
SDRS funded ratio 100.0% — model pension system nationally. 29th time in 34 valuations at 100%+. Below-average contributions sustain full funding.
SDRS Actuarial; NASRA
+3
State debt burden
SD has zero general obligation debt — one of only 4 states reporting under $1,000 per capita. Total combined debt $349.9M (0.5% GDP). Model fiscal management.
SD Debt Policy; Census
+3
Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita
SD has efficient government operations. Small state employee headcount per capita. No bloated bureaucracy.
Census Public Employment
+2
Inspector General / state auditor independence
SD Department of Legislative Audit operates independently. Standard cooperation. AAA ratings confirm oversight adequacy.
SD DLA; ALGA
+2
Ethics violations and personal scandals
No ethics violations for Rhoden. Clean transition from Lt. Governor. Standard compliance.
SD ethics records
+2
Executive order restraint
Limited executive orders. Appropriate restraint for caretaker governor. No EOs challenged.
SD EO records
+2
Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits
No emergency power concerns. Standard operations. No COVID-era continuation issues.
SD emergency statutes
+2
Legislative cooperation — veto override rate
Working relationship with Republican legislature. Standard cooperation. No override controversies.
SD Legislature
+2
Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity
Standard judicial appointment process. No issues documented during short tenure.
SD judicial records
+1
Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation
Implementing inherited legislation on schedule. Standard execution.
SD agency reports
+2
Federal fund utilization — grant management
Federal grants managed well. $204M BEAD allocation proceeding. $189M Rural Health Plan secured. No clawbacks.
Federal Audit Clearinghouse; USASpending
+2
Public approval as competence indicator
Rhoden approval data limited given very short tenure. As Lt. Governor, was relatively unknown. Caretaker status limits assessment.
SD polling data
+1
State IT security and data protection
Standard IT security. No major breaches. Basic cybersecurity framework.
NASCIO; SD IT
+1
Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution
Capital budget execution standard. New prison construction ($612.5M set aside). Standard infrastructure spending.
ASCE SD; SD DOT
+1
Disaster fund readiness
Adequate disaster reserves given tornado/severe weather risk. Reserves strong (12.5% target). FEMA cost-share capacity.
FEMA; SD BFM
+2
Workforce development — unemployment system integrity
SD UI system functional. Very low unemployment (~1.8-2.2%). Trust fund adequate. Minimal fraud exposure.
DOL UI; SD DLR
+2
Medicaid program integrity
SD Medicaid expansion enrollment at 30,367 adults. Standard program management. Voter-approved expansion proceeding.
CMS; SD DSS
+1
Election administration — constitutional compliance
SD has voter ID requirement. Paper ballots. Standard election administration. Secure election infrastructure.
SD SOS; EAC EAVS
+2
Transparency — state budget accessibility
SD has basic budget transparency. BFM publishes ACFR and budget documents online. Moderate transparency portal.
U.S. PIRG; SD open data
+1
Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty
Cooperative with federal requirements while maintaining sovereignty. Standard federal-state relations.
Federal compliance; SD AG
+2
Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning
SD does not have a Lt. Governor currently (Rhoden ascended from that role). Succession falls to others. Some gap but manageable.
SD Constitution; succession
+1
Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity
SD procurement standard with competitive bidding. No corruption documented. DLA oversight adequate.
SD procurement; DLA
+2
Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade
SD has no state income tax and moderate gas tax. Signed bill banning carbon capture pipeline eminent domain.
SD Searchlight
+1
Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy
SD energy costs below national average. No aggressive mandates.
SD economic data
+1
Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness
No forced green energy mandates. Banned carbon capture pipeline eminent domain.
SD Searchlight
+1
Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median
Signed property tax relief bill March 2025. Convened summer task force. Proposed county-option to replace property taxes.
SD Searchlight 2025-03-13
+2
Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business
SD business-friendly with no corporate income, personal income, or inheritance tax.
moverjunction.com; houzeo.com
+1
Unfunded mandates on municipalities
No specific action on unfunded mandates.
SD Searchlight
0
Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend
SD cost of living 8% below national average. Housing 13% below average. No income tax.
moverjunction.com; ConsumerAffairs
+2
Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies
First bill signed (SB 7) banned sanctuary cities. Protections for LEOs enforcing immigration law.
KSCJ; Yahoo News
+2
Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes
SD has minimal homelessness. Limited action needed or taken.
SD Housing data
0
Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling
SD has low encampment presence. Conservative approach allows enforcement.
General SD policy
+1
Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving
SD recorded highest net migration gain with 11,000 new residents. Fastest-growing state ranking.
britbrief.co.uk; nchstats.com
+2
Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy
No business exodus. #2 best state for employment. 23,000 new job openings.
moverjunction.com; SD economic data
+2
DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors
No specific actions on DA accountability.
No relevant findings
0
Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency
SD maintains voter ID. New citizenship verification laws strengthen integrity.
SD Searchlight
+1
Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents
No evidence of agency weaponization. Emphasized collaborative governance.
SD Searchlight 2025-01-28
+1
Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes
SB 7 sanctuary ban. TikTok ban on state devices under Noem continues.
StateScoop; SD Legislature
+1
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