politics

Bitter GOP primary for South Dakota governor heads to runoff as businessman Toby Doeden, Gov. Larry Rhoden advance

Updated on: June 3, 2026 / 3:13 PM EDT / CBS News

Bitter GOP primary for South Dakota governor heads to runoff as businessman Toby Doeden, Gov. Larry Rhoden advance

TL;DR

  • Gov. Larry Rhoden and businessman Toby Doeden will advance to a runoff for the Republican nomination for South Dakota governor.
  • A runoff is scheduled for July 28 because no candidate secured 35% of the vote in the primary.
  • Toby Doeden received the most votes, followed by Gov. Larry Rhoden.
  • Other candidates included Rep. Dusty Johnson and House Speaker Jon Hansen.
  • The Republican nominee will face Democratic former state Sen. Dan Ahlers.
  • Rhoden emphasized his record, including property tax cuts and a prison replacement plan.
  • Doeden, who self-funded his campaign significantly, pledged to phase out property taxes and cut spending.
  • The primary was contentious, with accusations and attack ads exchanged between candidates and supporting PACs.
  • President Trump has not endorsed a candidate in the race.