South Dakota governor fends off challenger in primary runoff

Campaign South Dakota governor fends off challenger in primary runoff Comments: by Caroline Vakil - 07/28/26 9:19 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Caroline Vakil - 07/28/26 9:19 PM ET Comments: Link copied

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Gov. Larry Rhoden (R) is projected to defeat businessman Toby Doeden in Tuesday’s GOP primary runoff for South Dakota governor, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Rhoden will now take on Democrat Dan Ahlers, a former state senator, in November. He is expected to hang on to the seat given the state’s reliably Republican leanings.

Rhoden and Doeden were forced into a runoff election for South Dakota governor after no candidate, including Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and state House Speaker Jon Hansen, running in the initial June primary reached a minimum 35 percent threshold.

Doeden placed first at about 31 percent while Rhoden followed with 25 percent.

Rhoden ascended to South Dakota governor in January 2025 after former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (R) stepped down from the post to serve in the Trump administration.

Johnson has refrained from publicly endorsing either candidate but told KELOLAND he is privately helping one of the runoff contenders. Hansen has not weighed in publicly on the race since losing the primary.

Add as preferred source on Google Tags Dan Ahlers Decision Desk HQ Dusty Johnson Dusty Johnson Kristi Noem Larry Rhoden South Dakota Toby Doeden

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