South Dakota Gubernatorial Candidates Headed for a Runoff

It is fitting that the two opponents heading into South Dakota’s first-ever runoff election for governor are being touted as mavericks. Larry Rhoden, the incumbent governor, a rancher, who also served six years as lieutenant governor, is aiming to be South Dakota’s first non-elected governor to win his own term. Businessman Toby Doeden is trying to become the next governor of South Dakota in his first rodeo. Doeden can claim no prior experience in politics.

The showdown emerged after South Dakota’s primary election, held on June 2, failed to sort out a clear winner. None of the four candidates – Rhoden, Doeden, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson, or Jon Hansen – the speaker of the South Dakota House of Representatives – could carve out a piece of the pie with over 35 percent of the vote cast.  The ratio of 35 percent is required by South Dakota law to avoid a runoff.

Doeden placed first with 31 percent of the vote. Rhoden was second with 25 percent. Johnson garnered 23 percent, and Hansen collected 21 percent.

Now the top contenders Doeden and Rhoden will face off on July 28 in the state’s first run-off election in its 136-year history.The only question on the ballot will be Rhoden or Doeden – two very similar-sounding names, but two very different candidates. 

South Dakota Primary Results – 6-2-26

United States Senate 
Mike Rounds    76%    101,471
Justin McNeal  24%      32,412

United States Representative 
Marty Jackley   79%   103,290
James Bialota   21%    27,140

Governor  (Run Off Required)
Larry Rhoden    25%    34,379
Jon Hansen       21%    28,390
Dusty Johnson   23%    31,925
Toby Doeden      31%    41,791

State Senator 
Stephanie Sauder  51%  2,804
Timothy Begalka    49%  2,699

State Representative- District 4 (Possible Recount) 
Fred Deutsch  26%     2,326
Ryan Kohl       26%     2,385
Kent Roe         25%     2,254
Dylan Jordan   20%     1,837

Grant County Sheriff 
Jeremy Steffensen   80%  1,009
William Newstrand   20%     252

You must be a registered Republican to participate in the runoff election on July 28 .  Grant County  Auditor Kathy Folk reminds residents of Grant County that July 13 is  the last day to register to vote in this election. Folk also offered these important dates:

Absentee Voting Starts – June 12
Voter Registration Deadline – July 13
Last day to Request an Absentee Ballot – July 27
Runoff Election Day – July 28