South Dakota GOP governor primary heads to runoff

The November contest is expected to solidly favor the Republican nominee.

Published: June 3, 2026 9:59am

The Republican primary for South Dakota governor is set for a runoff after no candidate cleared the threshold to win outright on Tuesday evening.

The crowded primary saw incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden, R, face off against, Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., state House Speaker Jon Hansen, and businessman Toby Doeden.

As of press time, Doeden advanced to the runoff, with 30.6% of the vote. Rhoden placed second with 25.2% while Johnson earned 23.4% and Hansen took 20.8%.

The Associated Press has not formally declared that Rhoden will advance as of press time, though with less than 5% of the vote remaining, he appears poised to make it to the second round on July 28.

The November contest is expected to solidly favor the Republican nominee.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.

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