With seven weeks to go before South Dakota’s June 2 primary, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson is emerging as the clear front‑runner in the Republican race for governor, according to a new poll from South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota.
The Mason‑Dixon Polling and Strategy survey of 500 registered Republicans, conducted April 7‑11, found Johnson with 34% support — just one point shy of the 35% needed to avoid a runoff. House Speaker Jon Hansen followed with 18%, while Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden each garnered 17%. Fourteen percent of respondents were undecided.
If no candidate reaches 35%, the top two finishers will advance to a July 28 runoff. The GOP nominee will face Democrat Dan Ahlers in November.
Poll analysts said Johnson’s position is strong, noting gains since October and high favorability ratings. Meanwhile, Rhoden’s support declined sharply, a shift that University of South Dakota political scientist Julia Hellwege said appears to have benefited Hansen.
In other statewide GOP contests, Attorney General Marty Jackley holds a commanding lead in the U.S. House race with 68% support, while incumbent U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds leads challenger Justin McNeal 66% to 18%.
The survey suggests Republicans are likely to see competitive races for governor but comfortable wins in the U.S. House and Senate primaries.
Comments