Governor Larry Rhoden Wins South Dakota Republican Primary Runoff

South Dakota Republicans settled a hard-fought gubernatorial primary contest on Tuesday as voters went to the polls to choose their party standard-bearer for November. Minutes after polling locations closed, the race was called by the Associated Press, handing the nomination to incumbent Governor Larry Rhoden.

Governor Larry Rhoden Secures the G.O.P. Nomination

Governor Larry Rhoden successfully defended his position in the state’s first-ever gubernatorial runoff election, overcoming a competitive primary challenge. Mr. Rhoden, a rancher who previously served as lieutenant governor, ascended to the state’s highest office last year when Kristi Noem departed South Dakota to join President Trump’s cabinet.

The path to the nomination required navigating a crowded and formidable Republican field. Rhoden competed against several prominent state figures, including the sitting congressman, the speaker of the State House of Representatives, and Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden.

Navigating a Runoff After the June Primary

Tuesday’s runoff became necessary after the initial primary vote held the previous month. In that opening round of balloting, Toby Doeden finished first with several thousand more votes than Rhoden. However, because no candidate managed to reach the required 35 percent threshold in the multi-candidate field, state election rules triggered the historic runoff.

Supporters for both campaigns gathered across the state as election day unfolded. While backers of the governor gathered to watch the returns, supporters of Doeden monitored results from their gathering place in Aberdeen. President Trump did not issue an endorsement in the primary contest.

The General Election Outlook in November

With the primary contest settled, the result positioned him as the strong favorite in November’s general election. Rhoden now turns his attention toward securing a full term in office as voters prepare to return to the polls later this year.