Governor Rhoden tours DSU as part of “Open for Opportunity” trip

MADISON, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - As he wraps up week five of his “Open for Opportunity” tour, Governor Rhoden made a stop in Madison on Thursday, touring Dakota State University.

President Griffiths briefed Governor Rhoden on some of things students and facility are working on such as cybersecurity coding and 3-D printing.

Rhoden said the tour has opened his mind to the technologies and workforce that help run the state.

“Just going to businesses that I didn’t know exist in towns I’ve been to many times, this has given me the opportunity to get into some unique places and talk to producers and businessmen,” Gov. Rhoden said.

Landan Hand, an undergraduate student at DSU shared details about his work strategizing against online bad actors

“We do security assessments for cities, counties and municipalities in South Dakota, basically just doing security testing to make sure that the cities and counties can get the help they need to make sure everything is secure, keep ahead of the threat actors of the day and help out where we can,” Hand said.

Rhoden was asked if these tours have encouraged him to announce a run for Governor in 2026, he said that there are a lot of things he is thinking about and that he doesn’t feel pressured to announce a run anytime soon.

“I’m not in this race, if I were to get in this race it wouldn’t be for who I’m running against, it’s what I’m running for,” Rhoden affirmed.

Names that have been thrown around as 2026 candidates include Rep. Dusty Johnson and Attorney General Marty Jackley.

The Dakota Scout informed Governor Rhoden that Representative Jon Hansen, the speaker of the House, is planning to announce his run sometime next week.