South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden delivered his first joint address to the South Dakota Legislature as governor on Tuesday. His full speech is here:

Rhoden emphasized that his leadership will focus on keeping South Dakota "strong, safe, and free." While not presenting a separate budget, he acknowledged concerns regarding certain aspects of the proposed budget and expressed intent to address those issues collaboratively.

Larry Rhoden, who succeeded Kristi Noem as South Dakota’s governor on Saturday, brings a lengthy record of success as state legislator to his new office. The Meade County rancher and welder had already served 16 years in the Legislature and was seeking re-election to a seat in the House in 2018