Larry Rhoden Outlines Gubernatorial Campaign in Rapid City
The Republican candidate addressed attendees at a luncheon held at the DoubleTree Convention Center.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Elections

Live Poll
Do you prioritize a candidate's previous government experience when deciding who to support in elections?
Republican gubernatorial candidate Larry Rhoden campaigned in Rapid City this week. The rancher and former National Guard member shared his platform as part of a local luncheon series.
Why it matters
Rhoden is currently campaigning for a full term as governor. His appearance at the local forum serves as part of his ongoing outreach to voters across South Dakota.
Rhoden is a rancher in Meade County and served for 6.5 years in the National Guard. This appearance marks a continuation of the gubernatorial luncheon series following Dan Ahlers address last month.
The players
Larry Rhoden
He is a Republican candidate for governor and a rancher based in Meade County.
Dan Ahlers
He is a political figure who addressed the same forum series last month.
The details
Rhoden spoke before the audience at the DoubleTree Convention Center to outline his candidacy. The event provided an opportunity for local residents to hear directly from the Republican hopeful regarding his vision for the state.
Timeline
September 2026: Dan Ahlers addressed the forum.
October 16, 2026: Larry Rhoden addressed the forum.
Political Context
Opposing viewpoints and alternative policy frameworks continue to be presented by other candidates in the South Dakota gubernatorial election cycle. These public forums serve as a key venue for the opposition to challenge incumbent-aligned platforms.
This campaign event allows voters in Rapid City to assess the candidate's platform before upcoming election milestones. Residents can evaluate how Rhoden's background as a rancher and veteran informs his proposed state policies.
The takeaway
Candidates for governor are currently increasing their public engagement across regional hubs to build support. Voters should monitor these appearances to compare legislative agendas as the election approaches.
Further reading
For more on the current state of local races, visit Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kotatv.
Live Poll
Do you prioritize a candidate's previous government experience when deciding who to support in elections?










