Governor Rhoden Campaigned for Full Term in Rapid City
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden appeared at an event as he seeks his first full four-year term in office.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
In the upcoming election, will you prioritize candidates who have already held the governor's office?
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden hosted a campaign fundraiser at the Arrowhead Country Club in Rapid City this week. Rhoden is currently seeking his first full four-year term after assuming the governorship.
Why it matters
Rhoden argues that his existing tenure as governor allows him to bypass the traditional learning curve for voters. He is currently campaigning to secure a full term against Democratic challenger Dan Ahlers.
Larry Rhoden has served as governor for 20 months following the resignation of Kristi Noem. He is now running for a full 4-year term after winning his party's nomination in a June primary and July runoff.
The players
Larry Rhoden
He is the current Governor of South Dakota, a former state lawmaker, and a rancher who previously served as Lieutenant Governor.
Dan Ahlers
He is the Democratic nominee for governor and a former state lawmaker from Dell Rapids.
The details
During his visit to Rapid City, Rhoden highlighted his governing record, framing his platform around values of civility, responsiveness, and openness. A victory in November would make him the first elected governor from the West River region since the 1930s.
Timeline
The Republican primary election occurred in June 2026.
A Republican primary runoff was held in July 2026.
Governor Rhoden held a campaign fundraiser in September 2026.
The general election occurs on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opposition to the incumbent's bid emphasizes the challenger's different approach to state governance and policy priorities. Democratic advocates have raised concerns regarding current administrative trends and the need for new leadership in the executive branch.
The gubernatorial election will determine the executive leadership responsible for state-level regulations and infrastructure funding. Residents will cast their votes to decide who serves the next four-year term in the Pierre state house.
The takeaway
Rhoden's campaign highlights his tenure as a key asset for continuity in state government. Voters will weigh this experience against the proposals offered by his challenger as they head to the polls this fall.
What happens next
Larry Rhoden and Dan Ahlers will appear on the ballot for the South Dakota general election on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming race, visit the Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kotatv.
Live Poll
In the upcoming election, will you prioritize candidates who have already held the governor's office?
