Republican primary: Here's how South Dakota’s four-way GOP governor's race reached the brink

TIMELINE: From Noem’s departure and populist organizing, PAC battles, debates and tightening polls, the road to Tuesday’s primary showdown has been years in the making

South Dakota Republicans are just one day away from casting ballots in a crowded and closely watched gubernatorial primary that will determine who advances to November’s general election.

The June 2 vote caps a monthslong GOP contest featuring Gov. Larry Rhoden, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, state House Speaker Jon Hansen and businessman Toby Doeden. Candidates have spent the final days making their closing arguments as polling has shown a volatile and competitive race with no clear front-runner.

A candidate must secure at least 35 percent of the vote to win the nomination outright. If no one reaches that threshold, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff election scheduled for July 28.

The winner – whether he emerges this week or next month – will face Democratic nominee Dan Ahlers, a former state lawmaker from Dell Rapids.

Here’s a look at how we got to South Dakota’s historic 2026 GOP primary contest. And be sure to hear interviews with the four Republican candidates on The Scout’s Scouting Lounge podcast.