Story perspectives

Rhoden Crushes Doeden 70% in First SD GOP Runoff

7/29/2026

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Rhoden Wins Runoff

Incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden defeated businessman Toby Doeden in South Dakota’s first-ever Republican runoff election on July 28, 2026.
Analysts warned Doeden’s plan to eliminate property tax could create a $1.8 billion budget shortfall, jeopardizing public services.
Rhoden secured roughly 71 % of the runoff vote, per Associated Press tallies.
Doeden financed his campaign with a $2 million personal loan while advocating total property-tax elimination.

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Rhoden Wins Runoff

Incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden defeated businessman Toby Doeden in South Dakota’s first-ever Republican gubernatorial runoff election on July 28, 2026.
Rhoden’s long-standing public-service record and faith-driven perseverance were highlighted as central to his decisive win.
AP called the runoff for Rhoden with about 70% after 25% of ballots were counted.
Doeden called Rhoden to congratulate him and pledged support for the Republican nominee in November.

Center

Rhoden Wins

Incumbent Governor Larry Rhoden defeated businessman Toby Doeden in South Dakota’s first Republican gubernatorial runoff on July 28, 2026.
The campaign carried 64 of the state’s 66 counties, producing a near-sweep in the runoff.
Doeden’s 31% June 2 vote was highest because no candidate reached the 35% threshold.
Turnout fell to 118,123 (from 136,230) as Rhoden will face Democrat Dan Ahlers in November.

History

Historical Context

California voters approved Proposition 13 on June 6, 1978, capping property taxes at 1 % of 1976 values and limiting annual assessment growth to 2 %. The law cut local property-tax revenue by about 60 % in its first year, prompting long-term reductions in school and municipal services. South Dakota’s runoff, featuring Toby Doeden, now debates a similar property-tax repeal, echoing those historic fiscal concerns.

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Rhoden Wins Runoff

Incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden defeated businessman Toby Doeden in South Dakota’s first-ever Republican runoff election on July 28, 2026.
Analysts warned Doeden’s plan to eliminate property tax could create a $1.8 billion budget shortfall, jeopardizing public services.
Rhoden secured roughly 71 % of the runoff vote, per Associated Press tallies.
Doeden financed his campaign with a $2 million personal loan while advocating total property-tax elimination.

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