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2w ago

Toby Doeden Advances to South Dakota GOP Runoff

His surprise win sets up a July 28 head-to-head that will likely determine the state’s next governor because no candidate reached the 35% threshold.

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)
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden on April 8, 2026, in Sioux Falls, S.D.
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Overview

  • Multiple outlets projected on June 3, 2026, that businessman Toby Doeden secured one of two spots in the Republican runoff for governor.
  • The second runoff slot remains undecided and is being contested by Gov. Larry Rhoden, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, and former state House Speaker Jon Hansen.
  • State law requires a candidate to clear 35% to avoid a runoff so the top two vote-getters will face each other on July 28.
  • Doeden ran as a largely self-funded political outsider who has pledged property tax cuts and spending cuts, and President Donald Trump has not publicly endorsed any candidate in the crowded primary.
  • The GOP nominee is widely expected to be the favorite in November in deeply Republican South Dakota, a fact that frames the runoff as the decisive contest for statewide policy direction and leadership.