South Dakota Republicans are set to select their nominee for governor in a runoff election on Tuesday, marking the state's first GOP runoff. Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has not participated in the race. Incumbent Governor Larry Rhoden is facing a challenge from Toby Doeden, who received 30.6% of the vote in the primary compared to Rhoden's 25.2%. Since neither candidate achieved the required 35%, the primary is proceeding to a runoff.
Rhoden has been in office since 2001 and took over as governor after Noem's appointment to lead DHS. His campaign emphasizes his political experience and leadership. In contrast, Doeden, who has no prior political experience, is campaigning against Rhoden's decisions regarding eminent domain for carbon pipelines and a proposed $650 million prison project.
Doeden expressed disappointment in Rhoden's choices and the prison project, stating, "I was very saddened to see who he surrounded himself with... this isn’t what the people of South Dakota want." Despite her previous prominence in South Dakota politics, Noem has not played a significant role in the campaign. She served as governor from 2019 to 2026 and was previously a U.S. Representative.
Noem's absence follows her departure from the Cabinet amid controversies, including personal and professional scandals. Although she was considered a potential primary challenger to Senator Mike Rounds, she chose not to run. Recently, she shared a post endorsing Rhoden, but her involvement in the campaign has been minimal.
The campaign has focused on policy issues, such as property taxes, with Rhoden promising to cut them, while Doeden has pledged to eliminate them. Attack ads have targeted both candidates, with Doeden facing accusations of being "too reckless" and Rhoden being criticized for supporting tax increases. Doeden has invested $4 million of his own money into his campaign. Rhoden's campaign manager highlighted key distinctions between the candidates, emphasizing Rhoden's agricultural background and experience as governor.