Lt. Gov. Rhoden eyeing successors ahead of Gov. Kristi Noem's departure

A rundown of eight east river politicos presumed to be top contenders

Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden is poised to take the helm of South Dakota’s government amid Gov. Kristi Noem’s anticipated appointment to President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet.

And that means not only could the Mount Rushmore State soon have its 34th governor, but a replacement for its 65-year-old lieutenant governor will also be imminent if Noem is confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security.

Political intrigue about a potential Rhoden successor began even before Noem became Trump’s reported choice for his cabinet position last month. And the question of who might assume the role has fueled whisper campaigns and public speculation since.

State House, Senate announce new legislative committee assignments