The Dakota Scout

The Dakota Scout

Share this post

The Dakota Scout
The Dakota Scout
Can populist GOP overcome South Dakota history?
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
State Politics

Can populist GOP overcome South Dakota history?

Hansen-Lems campaign for governor tests political ceiling

Joe Sneve's avatar
Joe Sneve
Apr 25, 2025
∙ Paid
10

Share this post

The Dakota Scout
The Dakota Scout
Can populist GOP overcome South Dakota history?
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
7
2
Share
S.D. House Speaker Jon Hansen announces his bid for governor April 24, 2025 at the Military Heritage Alliance in Sioux Falls. (Jonathan Ellis/The Dakota Scout)

The 2026 race for South Dakota governor officially began Thursday night, with House Speaker Jon Hansen and Speaker Pro Tempore Karla Lems launching a joint campaign in Sioux Falls — a campaign that will test the strength of an ascendant wing of the Republican Party.

Their announcement sets a populist tone for the months ahead, positioning the pair as champions of conservative grassroots causes, particularly opposition to carbon pipelines, eminent domain abuse, and abortion expansion. And while their candidacy will find a receptive audience among the party’s increasingly vocal populist wing, it may still face an uphill climb in convincing GOP traditionalists they’re ready for statewide leadership.

'Rebuilding trust': After Noem banishments, Rhoden takes outreach tour to Indian Country

'Rebuilding trust': After Noem banishments, Rhoden takes outreach tour to Indian Country

Joe Sneve
·
Apr 7
Read full story

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to The Dakota Scout to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 The Dakota Scout
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More