YANKTON, S.D. — South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden won the Republican nomination for governor Tuesday night, defeating businessman Toby Doeden in the Republican gubernatorial runoff election.

According to unofficial results from the South Dakota Secretary of State, Rhoden received 71,535 votes (72%), while Doeden received 28,057 votes (28%) as of 10:00 p.m. CDT on July 28. At that time, 534 of the state’s 650 precincts had fully reported, with 42 precincts partially reporting. Statewide voter turnout was reported at 30.30%, with 99,679 ballots cast.

Rhoden also carried both Yankton and Clay counties by comfortable margins.

Yankton County Results

According to unofficial results from the South Dakota Secretary of State, Rhoden received 1,893 votes (68.41%) in Yankton County, while Doeden received 874 votes (31.59%).

A total of 2,767 ballots were cast in the Republican gubernatorial runoff election in Yankton County.

Clay County Results

In Clay County, Rhoden received 692 votes (72.23%), while Doeden received 266 votes (27.77%).

A total of 958 ballots were cast in the Republican gubernatorial runoff election in Clay County.

Doeden Congratulates Rhoden, Calls for Party Unity

Following the election, Doeden released a concession statement on Facebook congratulating Rhoden on his victory and pledging his support for the Republican nominee in the November general election.

In his statement, Doeden encouraged Republicans to unite behind Rhoden, writing that the party must come together to protect South Dakota’s future. He thanked volunteers, supporters and campaign staff for their work throughout the campaign and acknowledged the disappointment many supporters were feeling after the election.

Rather than encouraging supporters to dwell on the loss, Doeden urged them to remain engaged and continue advocating for the conservative priorities that shaped his campaign. He also asked supporters to pray for Rhoden’s success, saying that the governor’s success would ultimately benefit South Dakota and its citizens.

Doeden concluded by thanking South Dakotans for welcoming him into their communities throughout the campaign and said he looks forward to continuing to serve the state through his businesses and philanthropic efforts.

A link to Doeden’s full concession statement is included in the References and Supporting Documents section below.

Looking Ahead

Rhoden will advance to the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Although former state Sen. Dan Ahlers is widely reported as the Democratic nominee for governor, he was not listed on the South Dakota Secretary of State’s General Election Candidate List at the time this article was published. The Heartland Community Ledger has contacted the Secretary of State’s Office for clarification and will update this article as additional information becomes available.

Election Results at a Glance

Area	Larry Rhoden	Toby Doeden	Total Votes
South Dakota	71,535 (72%)	28,057 (28%)	99,592
Yankton County	1,893 (68.41%)	874 (31.59%)	2,767
Clay County	692 (72.23%)	266 (27.77%)	958

Editor’s Note

This article is based on unofficial election results reported by the South Dakota Secretary of State as of 10:00 p.m. CDT on July 28, 2026. Vote totals, percentages and precinct reporting may change before the election results are officially canvassed.