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2w ago

Doeden and Rhoden Head to July Runoff in South Dakota GOP Primary

Lower turnout and how supporters of eliminated candidates shift their votes will likely decide the July 28 contest.

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)
Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., arrives for the House Republican Conference meeting at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden on April 8, 2026, in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Overview

  • Toby Doeden advanced to a July 28 Republican runoff after Tuesday's primary with about 30–31% of the vote while Gov. Larry Rhoden finished second near 25%, and Rep. Dusty Johnson and Speaker Jon Hansen trailed with roughly 23% and 21% respectively.
  • No candidate hit the 35% threshold required to win outright, triggering South Dakota’s first gubernatorial primary runoff under the 1985 rule.
  • Doeden ran as a self-described outsider and largely self-funded his bid, lending roughly $4 million to his campaign, while outside groups including the PAC Rushmore Principles spent seven figures on ads targeting Rhoden.
  • Campaigns and analysts say the runoff will turn on lower special-election turnout, how Johnson’s and Hansen’s supporters reallocate their votes, and where late money and endorsements flow.
  • The Republican nominee will face Democrat Dan Ahlers in November in a state that has not elected a Democratic governor since the 1970s, and President Trump has not endorsed a candidate in the primary or runoff.