Primary Results Shape South Dakota Races, Trigger GOP Governor Runoff
South Dakota’s 2026 primary election set the stage for several high-profile races Tuesday, with a crowded Republican gubernatorial contest heading to a runoff and key federal, legislative, and local races taking shape ahead of the November general election.
In the Republican race for governor, no candidate reached the 35% threshold required under state law to secure the nomination outright. Toby Doeden led the field with about 31% of the vote, followed by Larry Rhoden at approximately 25%. U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson finished third with roughly 23%, and House Speaker Jon Hansen garnered about 21%.
The results send Doeden and Rhoden to a July 28 runoff, where the winner will claim the Republican nomination and advance to the Nov. 3 general election against Democrat Dan Ahlers.
In South Dakota’s U.S. Senate race, incumbent Republican Mike Rounds secured his party’s nomination by defeating challenger Justin McNeal. Rounds will move on to the general election to face Democrat Julian Beaudion and independent Brian Bengs. The seat is one of two representing South Dakota in Washington, D.C., and is the only Senate seat up for election in 2026.
In the race for South Dakota’s lone U.S. House seat, Attorney General Marty Jackley won the Republican primary, defeating James Bialota Jr. He advances to the general election to face Democratic candidate Nicole Gronli. The at-large House seat represents the entire state in Congress.
At the state legislative level, several primary races reshaped district representation. In District 29, William Meirose narrowly defeated incumbent John Carley in the Republican Senate primary by 129 votes. In the House race in the same district, Gary Deering and Gary Cammack secured nominations over Kathy Rice and Terri Jorgenson.
Incumbent Rep. Travis Ismay won the District 28B Republican primary with 55% of the vote, defeating Larry Schmaltz. Other legislative races saw primary victories for candidates including Amber Hulse in District 30, Randy Deibert in District 31, and Taffy Howard in District 34, with some contests potentially headed for recounts due to close margins.
Municipal races were also decided across western South Dakota. In Whitewood, Sara Fitzgerald won the nonpartisan mayoral race with 65% of the vote. In Sturgis, businessman Rod Bradley was elected mayor in a special election to fill a vacancy, earning 984 votes to defeat two opponents. Bradley will serve the remainder of the term through 2028.
City council races were held in Rapid City, where winners were determined in all five wards, and in several smaller communities. In Lead, two candidates secured seats on the City Commission, while Hill City and Hermosa voters selected local officials and weighed in on ballot measures.
Hermosa voters rejected two resolutions, including a proposal related to a tax increment financing district and another tied to funding water system improvements. In Butte County, voters approved a measure prohibiting data centers by a wide margin.
Across the region, election results remain unofficial pending canvassing and certification. The outcomes set the stage for the Nov. 3 general election, when voters will decide key statewide, federal and local races.
Primary Upsets, Close Races Mark Legislative Contests
Several South Dakota legislative primaries brought changes and close finishes in Tuesday’s election.
In District 29, incumbent Senator John Carley was defeated by William Meirose in a tight race decided by 129 votes. In the House race, Gary Deering and Gary Cammack secured nominations, defeating two challengers.
Other districts also saw decisive outcomes. Amber Hulse won the Senate primary in District 30, while Tim Goodwin and Trish Ladner took the top House spots. In District 31, Randy Deibert won the Senate race, and in District 32, Helen Duhamel advanced with a primary victory.
District 33’s Senate race went to David Johnson, while a close House contest could head to a recount, with just a handful of votes separating candidates. Another potential recount is possible in District 34, where the House race remains tight behind Senate winner Taffy Howard.
In District 35, Greg Blanc secured the Senate nomination, while Dale Bartscher and Jason Fleming advanced in the House race.
Several results remain unofficial pending final certification.
Local Races, Ballot Measures Decided Across Region
Voters across western South Dakota decided a number of local races and ballot measures alongside Tuesday’s primary election.
In Rapid City, all five city council wards saw contested races, with winners determined in each district, including returning and newly elected members.
In Whitewood, Sara Fitzgerald won the mayoral race, defeating Bruce White by a wide margin. Piedmont voters also elected a new mayor, with John Parks Junior winning that race, along with a new city commissioner.
Lead voters filled two open seats on the City Commission, with Dustin Schumacher and Valerie Joy Meiners finishing as the top vote-getters.
Hill City elected Tana Nichols as mayor, while Hermosa voters selected two new trustees and weighed in on ballot issues.
Two Hermosa resolutions failed, including a proposed tax increment financing district and a measure tied to funding water system improvements. Meanwhile, Butte County voters approved a measure to prohibit data centers by a strong margin.
All results remain unofficial pending final certification.
Runoff Set in GOP Governor Race After Primary Shakeup
South Dakota’s Republican race for governor is headed to a runoff after no candidate reached the required 35 percent threshold in Tuesday’s primary.
Political newcomer Toby Doeden finished first with about 31 percent of the vote, followed by Governor Larry Rhoden at 25 percent. Congressman Dusty Johnson placed third and will not advance, despite earlier polling strength, while House Speaker Jon Hansen finished fourth.
State law requires the top two candidates to compete in a runoff if no one meets the threshold. That election is scheduled for July 28.
The outcome marks a rare runoff in a gubernatorial primary and sets up an extended campaign between Doeden and the incumbent governor.
The winner of the runoff will face Democratic candidate Dan Ahlers in the November 3 general election.
Rod Bradley Wins Sturgis Mayor’s Race In Special Election
Sturgis voters have elected a new mayor in a special election to fill a vacancy in the office.
Unofficial results show businessman Rod Bradley winning the race with 984 votes, defeating two opponents by a wide margin. Bradley will serve the remainder of the term through 2028.
The election was held following the resignation and subsequent passing of former Mayor Kevin Forrester earlier this year. The position has been temporarily filled by the mayor pro tempore.
Voters also decided a Ward One City Council race, where Terry Keszler defeated Brenda Vasknetz.
Both races remain unofficial pending final canvassing and certification.
Rounds, Jackley Win GOP Primaries For Congress
South Dakota voters have selected Republican nominees for both of the state’s congressional races.
Incumbent U.S. Senator Mike Rounds secured the GOP nomination, defeating challenger Justin McNeal in Tuesday’s primary. Rounds will advance to the November general election, where he will face Democrat Julian Beaudion and independent candidate Brian Bengs.
In the race for South Dakota’s lone U.S. House seat, Attorney General Marty Jackley won the Republican primary over James Bialota. He now moves on to face Democratic candidate Nikki Gronli in November.
The House seat opened after Congressman Dusty Johnson chose to run for governor rather than seek reelection.
Both races will be decided in the November general election.
