South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden will compete against businessman Toby Doeden in a GOP primary runoff as he seeks a full term in office, according to NBC News projections.
Rhoden, who previously served as the state’s lieutenant governor, succeeded Kristi Noem last year after she was nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Despite holding the position, several Republicans challenged him in the primary. The runoff is scheduled for July 28, as no candidate received more than 35% of the vote.
In the initial round, Doeden, a political newcomer, led with approximately 31% of the vote. Rhoden followed with 25%, while Rep. Dusty Johnson garnered 23% and former state House Speaker Jon Hansen received 21%.
Trump did not endorse any candidate in this race. Doeden characterized himself on his campaign website as a political outsider frustrated with the government’s inability to fulfill its promises and described himself as one of Trump’s “fiercest supporters.”
Rhoden focused his campaign on property tax cuts and crime reduction. Johnson, the state’s sole House representative, has previously chaired the Republican Main Street Caucus. Hansen has been in the South Dakota House since 2010 and has held various leadership positions, including speaker.
The eventual Republican nominee is considered a strong contender for the general election this fall, as South Dakota has not had a Democratic governor since the 1970s and Trump won the state by 29 points in the 2024 election.
Source: www.nbcnews.com via Google News.
