Governor candidate learned the hard way that South Dakotans like courtesy and specifics

By: Dana Hess

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: August 15, 2026

Words: 780

Last Updated: 3 days, 10 hours ago

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Looking back, there has to be some reason why the first-place finisher in South Dakota’s Republican governor primary failed so miserably in the runoff.

Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden finished first in the primary in a four-candidate field with 31% of the vote, setting up a runoff with Gov. Larry Rhoden, who finished second with 25%. When the runoff votes were counted, Rhoden had 71% to Doeden’s 29%.

The runoff pitted a political outsider …

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