A recent poll conducted by South Dakota News Watch shows Congressman Dusty Johnson is in the lead of the governor race.
The survey shows Johnson in the lead at 34%, followed by candidate Jon Hansen at 18%, and incumbent Governor Larry Rhoden and Toby Doeden tied at 17%. The remaining 14% of voters are undecided.
Johnson’s properties include education, property tax relief, and making South Dakota safer. While in Congress, he has served on the Committee on Agriculture, supported the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act, and voted in favor of the Farm Bill.
In the previous debates, Johnson has continuously criticized the tax bills Rhoden passed during the legislative session, saying they raise sales tax and the cost of living in the state.
He said a governor not only needs to have a vision; they must get things done and provide results.
When answering a question on mortality rates, Johnson replied he would address the issues by creating a state surgeon general position and moving Medicaid from the Department of Social Services to the Department of Health.
South Dakota’s primary election is on June 2, 2026.
