Although the Republican primary is 11 months out, South Dakota’s governor race is beginning to take form.
First it was Jon Hansen, then Toby Doeden and now Dusty Johnson. All three Republicans have formally declared their intent to run for the state’s highest seat.
Only one Democrat has announced a run so far. Nineteeen-year-old Robert Arnold is a student at Dakota State University.
Dan Ahlers is the Executive Director of the SD Democratic Party. He said more Democrats could be on the horizon.
“I was visiting with a potential statewide candidate that was eyeing governor today. So, yeah there are people that are interested in it," Ahlers said. "And just deciding how it would work, I’m answering their questions. So, yeah I expect there to be more candidates to announce.”
It’s been 46 years since a Democrat was governor.
A third-party candidate has also thrown his hat in the ring. Terry Gleason has filed to run for governor as an Independent. In a statement, he said his platform will "prioritize policies that promote inclusivity, economic growth, and public safety."
State Speaker of the House Hansen announced his campaign in April. He was the first candidate to announce a Lt. Governor pick in Karla Lems.
Hansen is running on a grassroots platform. Both he and Lems helped lead an effort against Summit Carbon Solutions’ carbon dioxide pipeline. The two are running on a grassroots movement following that property rights win.
“I really feel like it’s the right time for the people of this state and the grassroots to get their government back,” Hansen said.
Hansen is critical of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and other government funding to corporations. He said if elected, he wants to get back to the free market.
“And you look at all of the people who have moved out of South Dakota to bring their family or business over especially these past five years. It’s not because of some big, crony corporate payouts from the government," Hansen said. "It’s because we have low regulation, low tax environment and we have a reputation for freedom in this state. So those are the things I want to focus on. I don’t think it’s appropriate that the government handout millions of dollars in corporate welfare payments to businesses who don’t need it. And so, I wouldn’t do that.”
Aberdeen Businessman Toby Doeden is the only Republican in the race to have never been elected to office. He said he’s running as a true, Constitutional conservative.
“I think it’s high time that the leadership in Pierre actually mirrors and represents the voters in this state. And overwhelmingly, the majority of voters and taxpayers have a vision for this state that aligns with my vision," Doeden said. "Which is smaller government, growing our economic footprint with existing small businesses, not subsidizing out-of-state multibillion dollar companies.”
Doeden said he plans to approach the state’s “bloated” $8 billion budget like a businessman.
“We need a CEO with business experience that knows how to find new ways to generate revenue without pillaging that money from the taxpayer. And a CEO that has a track record of taking over very complex organizations reducing the fraud, the waste, the pork and the fat," Doeden said. "And start actually producing budget surpluses so we have the money and the resources we need to actually start fixing serious problems in this state.”
Doeden has also vowed to eliminate property taxes.
The most recent candidate to announce is Rep. Dusty Johnson. He said he believes his ability to work with others will allow him to lead effectively.
“I’m the only candidate in this race who’s got a multiyear track record of successfully bridging that divide. I think most people have, or at least most journalists in the state have a sense of how useful I’ve been to the President and the Speaker as an emissary of the Freedom Caucus," Johnson said. "And I’ve got to tell you the freedom caucus in the Republican House is pretty conservative, and I work with those guys, and we get good things done together.”
He said it’s leadership and experience like his that is needed for a successful South Dakota future.
“All of these experiences have helped to prepare me for this job. And what’s more, they’ve given you an opportunity to see me in action, to see my determination and work ethic," Johnson said. "You don’t have to guess, you know this: South Dakota I will not let you down.”
As for his primary platforms, Johnson said he plans to focus on lowering property taxes, reducing drugs, emphasizing rehabilitation in the prison system, lowering costs of colleges and tech schools and growing the economy through small businesses.
One of the big remaining questions is incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden's plans. He was sworn in in January after former Gov. Kristi Noem joined President Trump’s cabinet. He said he’s not ready to announce his plans, because it’s too early.
“It means that we’re going to have choices. And what it means to me is I think that campaigns anymore are way too long, and I think people get tired of them. And, quite frankly, they’re not very effective," Rhoden said. "People have lives to live and they need to make a living. We’re a year from the primary campaign, almost a year and a half from the general election.”
He said he’s put his policies out there to businesses both home and abroad and they’ve been really well received.
“So that makes me excited, and it makes me excited about maybe the potential of running again. Right now, we’re still, like I said, we’re not going to announce anytime soon, but I’ve gotten a lot of positive encouragement to consider that," Rhoden said. "And it looks appealing based on the experience I’ve had the last 5 months.”
The Republican primary is June 2026, and the general election November the same year.
