Rhoden, Ahlers Make Final Pitches in South Dakota
Republican incumbent Larry Rhoden and Democrat Dan Ahlers pitched voters ahead of the state's gubernatorial general election.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Elections
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Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden and Democratic candidate Dan Ahlers made final campaign arguments ahead of South Dakota's gubernatorial general election. Polls open Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
Why it matters
The race will determine whether South Dakota voters choose continuity or change in the governor's office. Both candidates have served in the state legislature, but only Rhoden has served as governor.
Polls open Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Rhoden has served about 20 months in public outreach since his first address to South Dakotans, while the final result remains unknown.
The players
Larry Rhoden
Rhoden is the Republican governor of South Dakota who is seeking election in his own right after assuming the office.
Dan Ahlers
Ahlers is a South Dakota state legislator and the Democratic nominee for governor in the general election.
The details
Rhoden, the Republican incumbent, survived a four-way GOP primary and then won the party's runoff, while Ahlers faced no opposition in the Democratic primary. KELOLAND News interviewed the general election candidates in late September, and both delivered final statements on the Wednesday and Thursday before Election Day.
Timeline
November 2025: Rhoden announced his gubernatorial candidacy.
February 2026: Ahlers announced his Democratic gubernatorial candidacy.
Sept. 29-30: General election candidates gave KELOLAND News interviews.
Election Day: Polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
Political Context
South Dakota's 2018 gubernatorial election produced an open-seat contest, whereas this race features an incumbent governor defending the office against a legislative challenger. The contrast highlights how the state's voters are weighing continuity against change this cycle.
Voters must cast their ballots between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time on Election Day. The result will determine who holds the governor's office for the next term.
The takeaway
Voters should confirm their polling place and voting hours ahead of Election Day to ensure their ballots are counted in this closely watched race.
Further reading
For background on the state's voting process, explore South Dakota Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KELO-LAND TV.
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