South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden formally launched his campaign for the 2026 governor's race this week.
Rhoden had been lieutenant governor for six years with Governor Kristi Noem, then was elevated in January when Noem was picked by President Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Rhoden promised to continue taking conservative stances on landowner’s rights, pro-life activism, and second amendment issues.
"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," he said.
In the June 2026 Republican Party primary election, Rhoden faces current Congressman Dusty Johnson, speaker of the state House Jon Hansen, and business owner Toby Doeden.
