Early Poll Reveals Leading Candidates in South Dakota Governor Race
Sioux Falls, S.D. – A recent poll of 500 registered Republican voters highlights a close early contest in the 2026 South Dakota gubernatorial primary, primarily between U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and incumbent Governor Larry Rhoden. Conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy and co-sponsored by the Chiesman Center for Democracy, the survey showed Johnson at 28% and Rhoden at 27%, with Attorney General Marty Jackley trailing at 18%. Notably, 20% of respondents were still undecided.
Johnson, who has a substantial $5.9 million campaign fund, is viewed as a serious contender, utilizing his political experience and name recognition to his advantage. He stated his focus remains on delivering conservative wins in Congress while navigating the complexities of a statewide race. In contrast, Rhoden, who assumed office in January after former Governor Kristi Noem’s appointment to the federal cabinet, reported a smaller campaign balance of approximately $91,000. His challenge lies in establishing his identity separate from Noem while boosting fundraising efforts.
The poll reveals demographic divides, with Johnson leading among younger voters and Rhoden gaining support from male constituents. Both candidates are still positioning themselves, with Johnson needing to address perceptions of being moderate, while Rhoden aims to articulate his vision and increase fundraising.
Jackley expressed surprise at his third-place position but aims to secure endorsements and boost his campaign in the upcoming months. Meanwhile, lesser-known candidates like Toby Doeden and Jon Hansen face significant challenges in name recognition, with many respondents unaware of their candidacies.
As the election cycle unfolds, these initial polling results stress the importance of establishing financial support and voter engagement early in the race.
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