South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden secured a historic victory by winning the first gubernatorial primary runoff in the state's history, advancing to face Democratic challenger Dan Ahlers in the November general election.
The runoff was triggered because no candidate in the June primary achieved the 35% threshold required to win outright. State law mandates a head‑to‑head contest between the top two finishers when the threshold is not met.
In the initial four‑candidate primary, businessman Toby Doeden garnered 30.6% of the vote, while Rhoden received 25.2%, leaving both short of the necessary 35% and setting the stage for the runoff.
Rhoden assumed the governorship in early 2025 after his predecessor stepped down to join the federal administration. Doeden entered the race as a political newcomer with a background in business.
In November, Rhoden will confront former Democratic state Senator Dan Ahlers, a race that could bring South Dakota back under Democratic leadership for the first time since the late 1970s.
Property taxes dominated the campaign debate. Doeden advocated for their elimination, a proposal Rhoden labeled fiscally reckless and potentially harmful to local government and school funding.
Rhoden highlighted tax relief measures he signed in March, describing them as the largest property tax cut in the state's history.
Doeden criticized Rhoden as an entrenched career politician, a claim Rhoden rebuffed by emphasizing his legislative experience and practical knowledge of lawmaking.
While the former president did not publicly endorse either candidate, he thanked Rhoden in a public address. Doeden positioned himself as a strong supporter of the former president’s agenda.
