South Dakota GOP governor primary headed to runoff between Rhoden and Doeden
5 verified3 unconfirmed
Republican voters in South Dakota will choose their gubernatorial nominee in a July 28 runoff between businessman Toby Doeden and incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden. The runoff became necessary after no candidate reached the required 35% threshold in Tuesday’s primary. Doeden finished first, with Rhoden second, and four-term Rep. Dusty Johnson placed third. The primary grew increasingly contentious in its final months, with candidates trading accusations over taxes, political allegiances, and the state’s economic direction. The eventual Republican nominee is expected to face Democratic former state Sen. Dan Ahlers, though South Dakota has not elected a Democratic governor since the 1970s. President Donald Trump has not endorsed a candidate in the race. The outcome adds to a pattern of House members failing to win statewide office in the current election cycle.
What’s verified
Gov. Larry Rhoden and businessman Toby Doeden will compete in a July 28 runoff for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
A runoff was required because no candidate in the June 2 primary received at least 35% of the vote.
Doeden was the top vote-getter, followed by Rhoden in second place.
Rep. Dusty Johnson, a four-term congressman, finished third and conceded the race.
President Donald Trump has not endorsed any candidate in the South Dakota governor’s race.
Not yet confirmed
CBS News reported that Democratic former state Sen. Dan Ahlers will be the Democratic nominee after running unopposed. Roll Call did not mention Ahlers.
CBS News reported that state House Speaker Jon Hansen was also on the primary ballot and that a political action committee named Rushmore Principles spent over $1 million on anti-Rhoden advertising. These details appeared only in that account.
Roll Call reported on several other GOP House members who lost statewide races this year, including Reps. Randy Feenstra (Iowa), Chip Roy (Texas), Wesley Hunt (Texas), and Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (Georgia). Those details appeared only in that account.
Key figures
Larry Rhoden — incumbent governor of South Dakota
Toby Doeden — businessman, Republican primary candidate
Dusty Johnson — U.S. representative for South Dakota at-large district
Dan Ahlers — Democratic nominee for governor (single source)
Kristi Noem — former governor, now Homeland Security secretary
President Donald Trump
Sources: CBS News, rollcall.com
