Analysis: 2026 South Dakota governor's race stoking campaign proxy wars
Looming election will shape 101st Legislative Session; Gov. Rhoden harkens crowded 2010 gubernatorial contest
Get ready for an extra dose of hardball politics at the South Dakota Capitol.
The Mount Rushmore State’s next legislative session is still nearly three months away, but Gov. Larry Rhoden’s already bracing for a fight.
With at least four Republicans eyeing the governor’s office in 2026 — including Rhoden himself, House Speaker Jon Hansen, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden — policy debates over property taxes, airport spending and any other ambition tied to any gubernatorial hopeful will double as campaign proxy wars when lawmakers return to Pierre in January.
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