South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden defeats businessman Toby Doeden in GOP primary runoff

Gov. Larry Rhoden defeated businessman and political newcomer Toby Doeden in a Republican primary runoff on Tuesday to secure the GOP nomination for governor in South Dakota. Rhoden's victory reverses his standing from the initial June primary, where he had finished second with about 25 percent support to Doeden's 31 percent. No candidate had reached the 35 percent threshold required to avoid a runoff, forcing a one-on-one matchup between the two leading vote-getters, per NBC News reporting.

Rhoden previously served as lieutenant governor before being elevated to the governorship when Kristi Noem was confirmed as homeland security secretary last year. Noem was fired this year, according to NBC News, following her appointment by President Donald Trump. In the primary, Rhoden framed himself as a candidate with "the proven track record of uniting Republicans from all factions."

Doeden, making his first bid for elected office, campaigned on reducing property taxes and deporting migrants, while also opposing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the state. He characterized the contest as a choice for "bold conservative leadership, not career politicians." Doeden poured his own money into his campaign and outspent Rhoden on television advertising during the runoff, per NBC News. A super PAC tied to the conservative Club for Growth ran attack ads against Rhoden labeling him a "career politician," though the group did not publicly endorse in the race.

Rhoden's campaign emphasized cutting property taxes and reducing crime while touting South Dakota's unemployment rate, described by NBC News as the lowest in the country. Rep. Dusty Johnson and state House Speaker Jon Hansen, who also sought the nomination, did not advance to the runoff. Trump did not make an endorsement in the primary race.

Rhoden will face Democrat Dan Ahlers, a former state senator, in the November general election. South Dakota has not elected a Democratic governor since the 1970s. The state's two U.S. senators and sole House member are all Republicans, establishing a heavily Republican political environment for the general election.