Republican businessman Toby Doeden advances to primary runoff in South Dakota governor’s race

BREAKING NEWSJun. 3, 2026, 4:36 AM UTC2026 Election2026 ElectionRepublican businessman Toby Doeden advances to primary runoff in South Dakota governor’s raceGov. Larry Rhoden, who replaced Kristi Noem last year, Rep. Dusty Johnson and former state House Speaker Jon Hansen are competing for a second spot on the July 28 ballot. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden is vying for a full term after replacing Kristi Noem..Samantha Laurey / USA Today Network via Imagn ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleBy Megan LebowitzRepublican businessman Toby Doeden has advanced to a runoff in South Dakota governor’s race, NBC News projects.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Gov. Larry Rhoden, who replaced Kristi Noem last year when President Donald Trump nominated her to lead the Department of Homeland Security, was battling with Rep. Dusty Johnson and former state House Speaker Jon Hansen for a second spot in the July 28 runoff. The primary will go to a runoff because no candidate eclipsed 35% of the vote. Trump did not issue an endorsement in the race. Doeden branded himself on his campaign website as “a total political outsider who’s tired of the government’s failure to deliver on its promises” and one of Trump’s “fiercest supporters.”Rhoden, a former lieutenant governor, agriculture secretary and lawmaker, campaigned on property tax cuts and lowering crime in his bid for a four-year term. Candidate signs outside a polling location in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Tuesday.Samantha Laurey / Argus LeaderJohnson is the state’s lone representative in the House, where he previously was chair of the Republican Main Street Caucus. Hansen, who was elected to the South Dakota House in 2010, held several leadership positions before he became speaker. The Republican nominee will be the favorite to win the general election in the solidly red state this fall. A Democrat has not served as governor...