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
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.