Doeden, Rhoden head to GOP runoff in South Dakota governor’s race
The race drew more than $10 million in campaign spending and will decide which Republican faces Democrat Dan Ahlers in November.
- On Tuesday, South Dakota Republicans voted in a gubernatorial primary featuring four major candidates, as the state's long-standing runoff law threatened to force a second round of voting.
- State law mandates that candidates receive at least 35% of the vote to secure the nomination outright, a provision in place since 1985 that has rarely influenced modern elections.
- As of 10:25 p.m. Tuesday, businessman Toby Doeden led with 29% of the vote, followed by Governor Larry Rhoden at 25%, Representative Dusty Johnson at 24%, and House Speaker Jon Hansen at 21%.
- Because no candidate reached the 35% threshold, a runoff election is scheduled for July 28, according to NBC News projections.
- The November 3 general election will feature the Republican nominee and Democrat Dan Ahlers, with the GOP candidate heavily favored to secure the governorship in the solidly red state.
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36 Articles
Doeden and Rhoden advance to runoff in Republican governor primary, Johnson falls to third
From left, businessman Toby Doeden, Gov. Larry Rhoden and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson speak at their respective watch parties on the night of the June 2, 2026, Republican governor primary election in South Dakota. (Photos by South Dakota Searchlight's Joshua Haiar, Meghan O'Brien and Makenzie Huber)Political newcomer Toby Doeden finished first Tuesday in South Dakota’s Republican governor primary but failed to reach 35%, setting up a runoff with Gov…
Kristi Noem’s ex-deputy Larry Rhoden likely to face South Dakota GOP gubernatorial runoff
South Dakota's competitive GOP gubernatorial primary appears poised to advance to a first-ever runoff on July 28 after no candidate managed to clinch 35% of the vote outright.
Doeden, Rhoden head to GOP runoff in South Dakota governor’s race
South Dakota’s crowded GOP primary for governor advanced to a July runoff on Tuesday after no candidate was able to secure at least 35 percent of the vote. Business owner Toby Doeden led the four-way field with 30.6 percent, according to Decision Desk HQ. Incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden (R) narrowly secured the second runoff spot,…
GOP Voters Ditch Dusty, Trigger Doeden/Rhoden Runoff July 28
Well, I guess South Dakota Republicans are that stupid. In yesterday’s primary, more than three quarters of Republican voters said Congressman Dusty Johnson, the smartest policymaker and most dedicated and energetic party builder running for Governor this year, said someone else would do a better job of running South Dakota: Screen cap, South Dakota Secretary of State, results of 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary, 685 of 686 precincts report…
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