Unlike most primaries, runoff won’t be a choice between like-minded candidates

By: Dana Hess

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: June 8, 2026

Words: 669

Last Updated: 3 days, 8 hours ago

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No matter your political affiliation, it has to be acknowledged that Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden has accomplished something incredible. Without ever having held elected office or ever having run a political campaign, he bested an incumbent governor and benched a congressman.

The as-yet unofficial results of the Republican primary have Doeden winning with 31% of the vote followed by Gov. Larry Rhoden with 25%, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson with 23% and state Speaker of …

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