Governor of South Dakota

Statewide — all of South Dakota

General election · Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Sources re-checked October 19, 2026 · How we research

Incumbent Republican Larry Rhoden became governor in January 2025 when Kristi Noem resigned to become U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security; he was lieutenant governor from 2019 to 2025 and is seeking his first full term.[1]
No Republican reached 35% in the June 2, 2026 primary, triggering South Dakota's first-ever gubernatorial runoff. Rhoden and retail and real estate executive Toby Doeden advanced; U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and House Speaker Jon Hansen were eliminated. Rhoden won the July 28 runoff with 70.8%.[1]
Dan Ahlers, executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party and a former state legislator, is the Democratic nominee. The state's candidate list shows only the Republican and Democratic tickets for governor.[1][2]

On the ballot · 2 candidates

Larry RhodenRINCUMBENTGovernor of South Dakota (since January 2025)Full profile →Dan AhlersDExecutive director, South Dakota Democratic PartyFull profile →

Issue evidence — side by side

Recorded votes, documented positions and candidates’ own words are shown with sources. “In their own words” quotes a candidate on the topic without inferring a stance. Votes describe specific bills or motions; they do not establish overall support or opposition to a broad issue. A dash means our research has no evidence on that topic, not that the candidate has no position.

Expand immigration enforcement and deportations

Larry Rhoden
—
Dan Ahlers
Mixed[6]
Says there is room for cooperation with federal immigration agents but criticizes heavy-handed tactics.

Loosen zoning rules to build more housing

Larry Rhoden
—
Dan Ahlers
In their own words[7]
“Work with state and local leaders to reduce barriers and encourage responsible housing development.”
Listed under 'Affordable housing' on his campaign website

Expand public health coverage

Larry Rhoden
—
Dan Ahlers
In their own words[7]
“Every South Dakotan deserves access to affordable, quality healthcare, regardless of where they live.”
On his campaign website

Universal, publicly funded child care

Larry Rhoden
—
Dan Ahlers
In their own words[7]
“Expand access to early childhood education and childcare so every student starts ready to learn.”
Listed under 'Strong education' on his campaign website

ISSUE	Larry Rhoden R	Dan Ahlers D
Expand immigration enforcement and deportations	—	Mixed[6] Says there is room for cooperation with federal immigration agents but criticizes heavy-handed tactics.
Loosen zoning rules to build more housing	—	In their own words[7] “Work with state and local leaders to reduce barriers and encourage responsible housing development.” Listed under 'Affordable housing' on his campaign website
Expand public health coverage	—	In their own words[7] “Every South Dakotan deserves access to affordable, quality healthcare, regardless of where they live.” On his campaign website
Universal, publicly funded child care	—	In their own words[7] “Expand access to early childhood education and childcare so every student starts ready to learn.” Listed under 'Strong education' on his campaign website

Research notes & limits

Slate confirmed against the South Dakota Secretary of State's general-election candidate list (only the Republican and Democratic tickets for governor). Running mates are in ballotNote. Ballotpedia was blocked; Wikipedia is used for biography and primary figures.

Sources · 15

Researched 2026-10-19. Green citations are official government records.

1.2026 South Dakota gubernatorial election · Wikipedia · 2026-10-19 Reference
2.2026 General Election candidate list · South Dakota Secretary of State · 2026-10-19 Official record
3.Governor signs property tax bills into law · South Dakota Public Broadcasting · 2026-03-12 News report
4.Governor Larry Rhoden · Rhoden campaign (quoting April 15, 2025 address) · 2026-10-19 Candidate's own words
5.Inside the race: Dan Ahlers and Larry Rhoden talk key issues with Dakota News Now · Dakota News Now · 2026-09-16 News report
6.Democratic candidate for governor plans to lean on South Dakota's 'core values' · South Dakota Searchlight (via Yahoo News) · 2026-02-10 News report
7.Dan on the issues · Ahlers for Governor campaign website · 2026-10-19 Candidate's own words
8.Larry Rhoden · Wikipedia · 2026-10-21 Reference
9.Governor signs property tax bills into law · South Dakota Public Broadcasting · 2026-03-12 News report
10.Governor Larry Rhoden · Rhoden campaign (quoting April 15, 2025 address) · 2026-10-19 Candidate's own words
11.About Governor Rhoden · South Dakota Governor's Office Official record
12.Inside the race: Dan Ahlers and Larry Rhoden talk key issues with Dakota News Now · Dakota News Now · 2026-09-16 News report
13.Dan Ahlers · Wikipedia · 2026-10-21 Reference
14.Democratic candidate for governor plans to lean on South Dakota's 'core values' · South Dakota Searchlight (via Yahoo News) · 2026-02-10 News report
15.Inside the race: Dan Ahlers and Larry Rhoden talk key issues with Dakota News Now · Dakota News Now · 2026-09-16 News report