The historic Senate chamber of the South Dakota Capitol soared with applause on Thursday afternoon as Tony Venhuizen received congratulations for becoming the state’s new lieutenant governor. Shortly before 1:30 p.

The South Dakota Legislature voted unanimously on Thursday at the Capitol in Pierre to confirm Tony Venhuizen as the state’s lieutenant governor. Venhuizen, 42, was sworn in shortly afterward. The Sioux Falls Republican’s voice shook momentarily with emotion as he took to the lectern to address the Senate in his first remarks as the body’s

Gov. Larry Rhoden said he chose Tony Venhuizen as lieutenant governor for his knowledge of the Legislature and experience in the executive branch.

A Sioux Falls legislator and longtime presence in South Dakota Republican politics, Tony Venhuizen, is Gov. Larry Rhoden’s pick for lieutenant governor. Rhoden announced his choice Wednesday morning at the Capitol in Pierre,