PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota voters largely maintained the Republican hold on statewide and federal offices in Tuesday’s election, re-electing Governor Larry Rhoden, sending Marty Jackley to Congress, and returning Senator Mike Rounds to Washington for another six-year term.
Governor Larry Rhoden won his first elected four-year term, defeating Democrat Dan Ahlers by a wide margin. Rhoden’s victory caps an eventful political rise after he became governor in January 2025 when Kristi Noem left office to join President Donald Trump’s administration. Rhoden survived a crowded Republican primary and runoff before cruising to victory in the general election. During the campaign, he highlighted accomplishments including property tax relief, a ban on eminent domain for carbon pipeline projects, and funding for a new state prison. The win extends the Democratic Party’s decades-long drought in South Dakota gubernatorial races, with the last Democratic governor elected in 1974.
In South Dakota’s lone U.S. House race, Republican Marty Jackley defeated Democrat Nicole Gronli to succeed Congressman Dusty Johnson, who chose to run for governor rather than seek another term. Jackley, a Sturgis resident and former U.S. Attorney who currently serves as South Dakota Attorney General, campaigned on public safety, affordability, energy independence, national security, and limited government. Gronli focused her campaign on economic issues, including affordability, Social Security, prescription drug costs, and reducing political division. Jackley will represent South Dakota’s at-large congressional district when he takes office in January.
Meanwhile, Republican Senator Mike Rounds secured another six-year term in the U.S. Senate, defeating Independent challenger Brian Bengs. Rounds emphasized his experience, support for agriculture, national security, and strengthening America’s position in emerging technologies. Bengs, a military veteran and former law professor from Hot Springs, centered his campaign on campaign finance reform and reducing the influence of special interest money in politics. The race also featured debates over foreign policy, federal spending, and support for domestic cattle producers.
With Tuesday’s results, Republicans retained control of South Dakota’s governor’s office and both of its congressional seats, continuing the party’s longstanding dominance in statewide elections.
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