Compare candidates running in this South Dakota federal race. Review their positions, voting records, campaign promises, and donor information.
Party: Independent
Party: Democrat
Party: Republican
Party: Republican
Party: Republican
Party: Republican
South Dakota has not elected a Democratic governor since 1974, making this a strongly Republican seat. However, the June 2 Republican primary is competitive with four viable candidates, and a runoff is likely if no candidate reaches 35%. The general election will almost certainly be won by the Republican nominee.
Terry Gleason is an independent candidate running in the November 3, 2026, general election for South Dakota governor. Described as a web developer, Gleason is running as an independent candidate for the general election. Limited public information is available about his campaign platform or background.
Dan Ahlers is the Executive Director of the South Dakota Democratic Party and a three-term former state legislator who served in the South Dakota House (2007-08, 2017-18) and State Senate (2009-10), representing District 25. The 45+ year-old Dell Rapids resident and small business owner announced his gubernatorial candidacy on February 10, 2026, positioning himself as the strongest Democratic candidate to appeal to independent voters and build a coalition around education, agriculture, and healthcare. Ahlers previously ran for U.S. Senate in 2020, losing to incumbent Mike Rounds. His campaign emphasizes bringing people together, accountability, and listening to regular people.
Toby Doeden is a 50-year-old Aberdeen businessman who owns Doeden Investment Group, including Aberdeen Chrysler Center, Redfield Ford, and other retail and real estate properties. Emerging as a political force in 2024-2025 through his self-funded Dakota First Action PAC, Doeden entered the gubernatorial race on May 28, 2025, positioning himself as an outsider candidate to shake up state government. His campaign focuses on government efficiency, elimination of property taxes, and populist anti-establishment messaging. Doeden distinguishes himself with aggressive social media presence and confrontational rhetoric against both Democrats and establishment Republicans.
Jon Hansen is Speaker of the South Dakota House of Representatives (2025-present) and a state representative from Dell Rapids representing the 25th district. A 39-year-old lawyer and conservative activist, Hansen emerged as a leading figure in the populist wing of the South Dakota GOP through his leadership on religious liberty protections, property rights, and opposition to abortion. He officially announced his gubernatorial candidacy on April 24, 2025, and is running with state Rep. Karla Lems as his lieutenant governor running mate. Hansen appeals to the conservative grassroots base with strong pro-life, pro-gun, and anti-government-overreach messaging.
Dusty Johnson is a four-term U.S. Representative from South Dakota's at-large congressional district, serving since 2019. The 48-year-old Republican from Mitchell has extensive state government experience, having served on the Public Utilities Commission (2004-2011) and as chief of staff to Gov. Dennis Daugaard. Johnson announced his gubernatorial run on June 30, 2025, and is polling as the front-runner in the Republican primary race, though still below the 35% threshold needed to avoid a runoff. His campaign emphasizes positive leadership, unity over division, and tangible economic plans.
Larry Rhoden is the incumbent 34th Governor of South Dakota, having assumed office on January 25, 2025, following Kristi Noem's resignation to become Secretary of Homeland Security. A West River rancher from Union Center, Rhoden has 16 years of legislative experience in the South Dakota House and Senate before serving as lieutenant governor from 2019-2025. He is a U.S. military veteran, having served in the South Dakota National Guard from 1978-1985. Rhoden is known for his collaborative and civility-minded approach to governance and his focus on property rights, public safety, and economic opportunity. He emphasizes getting work done over party politics and has been regarded as a "policy over politics" governor.
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No opponent claims documented.
Democrat cannot win in conservative South Dakota
Historical context: Democrats haven't won gubernatorial election since 1974
Doeden is career politician wannabe and inexperienced outsider unfit for office
Rhoden and Johnson emphasizing their extensive government experience vs. Doeden's lack of it
'Mad and angry is not a public policy platform'
Academic criticism of Doeden's populist messaging style
Hansen and other candidates part of politics of division and anger, not addition
Johnson criticizing populist faction's divisive messaging approach
Johnson 'acts like a liberal, talks like a liberal and, worst of all, votes like a liberal'
Dakota First Action PAC accused Johnson of being insufficiently supportive of President Trump
Johnson insufficiently loyal to Trump agenda
Populist wing of GOP questions Johnson's Trump alignment despite supporting key administration policies
Rhoden is a career politician answering to big donors and special interests, not an outsider
Doeden positioning himself as anti-establishment alternative to Rhoden and Johnson
Rhoden is involved in corporate welfare and 'backroom deals' with state economic development model
Hansen opposes current economic development model that provides state aid to corporations
No endorsements listed.
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