South Dakota Governor Race 2026
South Dakota's governor seat opens in 2026 as Kristi Noem hits her term limit. The Republican primary will be the decisive contest in one of the reddest states in the country, with a presidential lean of R+26.
Potential Candidates
| Candidate | Party | Status | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larry Rhoden | Republican | Potential candidate | Current Lt. Governor, former state senator, rancher |
| Republican TBD | Republican | Field forming | Other statewide officials and legislators expected to enter |
| Democratic TBD | Democrat | Long-shot | Democrats last won SD governor in 2006 (Mike Rounds era was R, Rounds won) |
Key Issues
| Issue | Republican Priority | Democratic Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Water rights, farm subsidies, trade access | Rural healthcare, farm consolidation concerns |
| Tribal Relations | Economic development on reservations, law enforcement | Tribal sovereignty, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women |
| Economy | No state income tax, attract businesses, tourism | Workforce wages, rural broadband |
| Social Policy | Abortion restrictions, anti-transgender legislation | Reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ protections |
Kristi Noem's Legacy
Kristi Noem became one of the most nationally prominent Republican governors during her two terms. Her decision not to issue a statewide COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 made her a hero to conservatives and a model for other Republican governors. She campaigned heavily for Trump and was widely discussed as a potential vice presidential pick in 2024.
Her national profile took a significant hit when her 2024 memoir described shooting her family dog, Cricket, a story that generated intense backlash even among Republicans. Despite the controversy, Noem remains popular within South Dakota and her successor will likely maintain her conservative policy direction.
South Dakota Political Landscape
South Dakota is one of the most reliably Republican states in the country. It has voted for the Republican presidential nominee in every election since 1964. The state legislature is overwhelmingly Republican, and the congressional delegation is entirely GOP.
The state's economy depends heavily on agriculture, ranching, and tourism (Mount Rushmore draws over 3 million visitors annually). South Dakota also has no state income tax, making it a popular state for business registration and wealthy individuals establishing legal residency.
2026 Outlook
South Dakota is a Safe Republican hold regardless of who wins the GOP primary. The race to watch is the Republican primary, where the winner of the nomination is virtually guaranteed to win the general election.
Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden has the inside track as the most prominent Republican with statewide name recognition, but South Dakota primaries can be competitive. Candidates who can best claim Noem's mantle of MAGA conservatism while also demonstrating competence on agriculture and tribal affairs will be best positioned.