Rhoden, Hansen, Johnson, Doeden dig in as runoff chances grow for South Dakota GOP

June 2 election might not bring finality for race between Republican candidates for governor

Jon Hansen, Larry Rhoden, Dusty Johnson and Toby Doeden advisor Matt Hurley look at the straws drawn to decide debate order while The Dakota Scout’s Joe Sneve stands at the lectern. (Chad Garnes / The Dakota Scout)

An escalating barrage of campaign ads signals a volatile finish in South Dakota’s Republican primary for governor – and the prospects of a potentially historic outcome.

While Congressman Dusty Johnson continues to hold the front-runner title in the race, the candidacies of Gov. Larry Rhoden, House Speaker Jon Hansen and Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden in the June 2 primary remain viable. Uncertain and conflicting polling has odds of a runoff election as a real possibility.

Campaign spending and the political blitz flooding South Dakota’s airways will intensify too.

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