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Trump ally Doeden leads GOP, to face Rhoden in runoff

6/5/2026

33 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Businessman Toby Doeden, who calls himself the nation’s “fiercest ally” to President Donald Trump, led the Republican primary with about 31% of the vote.
He has spent roughly $4 million of his own money and pledged to eliminate property taxes and cut spending.
Incumbent Governor Larry Rhoden will face Doeden in a July 28 runoff.
Democrat Dan Ahlers will meet the GOP nominee in the November general election.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the Republican Revolution, driven by Newt Gingrich’s Contract with America, swept the House with a gain of 54 seats and flipped ten governorships, including South Dakota’s election of Republican Bill Janklow. The 2024 South Dakota primary sees entrepreneur Toby Doeden, backed by former President Donald Trump, invest $4 million of his own money to revive that low-tax, anti-property-tax agenda.

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Story summary

Businessman Toby Doeden, who calls himself the nation’s “fiercest ally” to President Donald Trump, led the Republican primary with about 31% of the vote.
He has spent roughly $4 million of his own money and pledged to eliminate property taxes and cut spending.
Incumbent Governor Larry Rhoden will face Doeden in a July 28 runoff.
Democrat Dan Ahlers will meet the GOP nominee in the November general election.

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