Governor Larry Rhoden formally announced his campaign for reelection. The incumbent faces a stiff primary, Democratic opposition, and critical issues to tangle with this upcoming legislative session.
Rhoden, clad in jeans, a belt buckle and exotic leather cowboy boots, announced his campaign in front of a crowd of West River supporters in the lobby of the Hotel Alex Johnson.
Rhoden promised to continue much of the work that began in his truncated first term, itself a continuation of his six years as former Governor Kristi Noem’s Lt. Governor. Particularly, taking conservative stances on landowner’s rights, pro-life activism, and second amendment issues.
However, winning an election requires support from a majority of South Dakotans. While high in West River appeal, Rhoden said his strategy targets the whole state.
“We will continue to represent the entire state of South Dakota," Rhoden said. "I don’t know how much time I’ve spent in Sioux Falls, but a lot. I’ve spent a lot of time out west, but we’ve spent a lot of time all over the state. I wanted to make sure everybody heard our message, knows that we have them in mind, that we’re not playing favorites for any one area of the state. We’re here representing South Dakota.”
Rhoden will once again run with his current Lt. Governor; Sioux Falls Republican Tony Venhuizen.
Coming into the 2026 legislative session, the last one before voters mark their ballots in the Republican primary, the property tax battle will shape much of the narrative heading into the polls.
With nearly two-dozen recommendations and proposals publicly on the table so far, Rhoden said his management of previous legislative battles, like the prison and carbon pipeline, will inform his thought process.
“We do the work," Rhoden said. "We answer the questions. Legislators are there representing their constituents, and they want to be informed and make wise decisions. I think the legislators recognize that I’m sincere when I say I’m looking at good policy over politics. Even leaders want to be led, but they want to be led by somebody they trust. Somebody they know will shoot them straight. I think I’ve developed that reputation.”
Rhoden faces current Rep. Dusty Johnson, speaker of the state House Jon Hansen, and business owner Toby Doeden in the upcoming Republican primary.
