
Former Lt. Gov. Matt Michels Joins Potential Future Rhoden Administration
Former Lieutenant Governor Matt Michels is heading back to the state Capitol — but not in the role many expected.
While Michels was considered to be a top contender to take over as lieutenant governor, should current Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden ascend to the governor’s office when and if Gov. Kristi Noem departs, he will not be returning as the state’s second-in-command. Instead, the 64-year-old Yankton attorney and former lawmaker will serve in an advisory role under a potential future Rhoden administration.
Multiple sources have confirmed the move to The Dakota Scout. A nameplate bearing Michels' name has already been placed on a door in a second-floor suite at the Capitol, a space reserved for employees of the Governor’s Office. The Governor’s Office itself has declined to comment.
Michels, who served as lieutenant governor under Gov. Dennis Daugaard from 2011 to 2019, is a long-time friend of Rhoden and has been helping him prepare for what could be a historic transition to become the state’s 34th governor.
This change will occur if Governor Kristi Noem’s nomination to President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet is confirmed. She’s expected to become the new Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, possibly as soon as next week.
Michels, widely respected as a parliamentary expert, has extensive experience in state government. He’s previously led both chambers of the South Dakota Legislature as both Speaker of the House and Lieutenant Governor - the person in charge of running the Senate. He served in a voluntary role to help oversee the state’s first-ever impeachment trial, which led to the removal of former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg from office.
Rhoden is expected to announce his pick for lieutenant governor soon, a nomination that will require legislative confirmation.
Meanwhile, the list of potential contenders for the lieutenant governor position is narrowing. With Michels stepping in as an advisor, South Dakota Trade’s Luke Lindberg has been nominated by President Trump to serve as an under-secretary in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Both were previously under consideration, according to sources familiar with the process.
More From Hot 104.7 - KKLS-FM








