Dakota
Voter

2026 South Dakota Gubernatorial Race

Larry Rhoden – R

What are your top 2 priorities if elected?
What is the proper role of Government?

Why are you the best candidate for the job?
In what ways do you stand out from  your competitor(s)?

In this Governor’s race, there’s a lot that sets me apart from the other candidates. First of all, I’m the only candidate that’s made my living in agriculture, working the land. I was born and raised on a ranch and have owned and operated that ranch for decades. I’m the only candidate who’s made a living with my hands.

I’m the only candidate who’s served as a volunteer firefighter, something that I’ve done for over 40 years. That’s a crucial role to give back to your local community, especially in rural South Dakota.

I’m the only candidate who’s worn the uniform of the United States military. I served our nation for six years in the South Dakota National Guard. I earned the distinction of trainee leader of the cycle at basic training. My service to our nation prepared me for my role as Commander in Chief of the National Guard. In fact, I’m the first Governor since the legendary Joe Foss to serve as Commander in Chief of the South Dakota National Guard after serving as a guardsman.

But perhaps the most important distinction is that I’m the only candidate who has actually done the job of Governor. The other candidates can tell you how they plan or hope to do the job – but you can see for yourself how I’ve actually done the job. I might not be the flashiest Governor, but I get the work done efficiently and effectively.

I deliver results.

Just look at what we’ve accomplished in the last two legislative sessions to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free. We advanced South Dakota’s pro-life laws, protected our 2nd Amendment rights, and took important steps to keep South Dakota safe. When others thought that it would be impossible to build agreement to get the prison across the finish line, I put the team together that got the job done. And when it looked like we wouldn’t be able to deliver real property tax relief this year, I set politics aside and worked with legislative leadership to deliver the largest property tax cut in South Dakota history.

I might not be the smartest person in the room, but I’m smart enough to put the right people around me to get the job done. And that is how I will continue to lead if I’m given the opportunity to serve for another four years.

Community Endorsement:

(community endorsement not submitted yet)

Learn more about Governor Rhoden by visiting his:

Campaign Website  – Facebook Page – Campaign Finance Reports

Jon Hansen – R

What are your top 2 priorities if elected?
What is the proper role of Government?

Why are you the best candidate for the job?
In what ways do you stand out from  your competitor(s)?

(written response not submitted yet)

Community Endorsement:

(community endorsement not submitted yet)

Learn more about Representative Hansen by visiting his:

Campaign Website  – Facebook Page – Campaign Finance Reports

Dusty Johnson – R

What are your top 2 priorities if elected?
What is the proper role of Government?

Why are you the best candidate for the job?
In what ways do you stand out from  your competitor(s)?

The best governor is one who can dream big and deliver results, and that’s true with my campaign. We’ve laid out bold ideas detailing how we can make this state better, and I also have a proven track record of getting things done. As Chief of Staff to Governor Dennis Daugaard, I helped cut $127 million in state spending. In the private sector, I created jobs. As Congressman, I worked with President Trump to secure the border, eliminate woke from our military, and cut taxes.

I believe the next 20 years in South Dakota can be the best years we’ve ever had, but in several key areas, we’re falling behind. We need strong leadership and vision to build the best South Dakota. Now is the time to dream big—to grow, to build, and to believe in a bright future for South Dakota. It’s going to take hard work, a real plan, South Dakota commonsense, and solid conservative leadership.

We’ll get to work on Day 1. I intend to put students first and be laser-focused on improving student achievement. We should make college and tech schools affordable for South Dakota families, giving every hardworking student a chance to build their life here in South Dakota.

Our state’s parole system is failing. My Safer South Dakota plan will hold offenders accountable and aim to reduce the state’s drug overdose deaths through targeted prevention and accountability. As I speak with law enforcement and victims, it’s clear South Dakota can do better.

I want my kids, and kids across the state, to choose South Dakota as the place to build their future. They deserve a South Dakota that doesn’t settle, a state whose leaders aspire to more than just steadiness. I have the energy and vision to get the job done.

Let’s get to work.

Community Endorsement:

(community endorsement not submitted yet)

Learn more about Congressman Johnson by visiting his:

Campaign Website  –  Facebook Page  –  Campaign Finance Reports

Toby Doeden – R

What are your top 2 priorities if elected?
What is the proper role of Government?

(video response not received yet)

Why are you the best candidate for the job?
In what ways do you stand out from  your competitor(s)?

(written response not received yet)

Community Endorsement:

(community endorsement not submitted yet)

Learn more about Mr. Doeden by visiting his:

Campaign Website  –  Facebook Page  –  Campaign Finance Reports

Dan Ahlers – D

What are your top 2 priorities if elected?
What is the proper role of Government?

(video response not received yet)

Why are you the best candidate for the job?
In what ways do you stand out from  your competitor(s)?

(written response not received yet)

Community Endorsement:

(community endorsement not submitted yet)

Learn more about Dan by visiting his:

Campaign Website  –  Facebook Page  –  Campaign Finance Reports