Political jockeying marks start of South Dakota's next governor's race
2026 GOP primary field could include Gov. Rhoden, AG Jackley, Congressman Johnson, House Speaker Jon Hansen & Toby Doeden
The 2026 GOP primary race for governor subtly kicked off last month with a letter that seemed to fly under the radar but landed with an unmistakable ripple.
Gov. Larry Rhoden made headlines when he publicly offered a slice of Black Hills land for a national heroes garden envisioned by President Donald Trump — a gesture seemingly of generosity rather than a political maneuver. But to those tuned in to the power dynamics of South Dakota’s Republican circle, it wasn’t so simple.
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