Businessman Toby Doeden has taken a narrow lead in South Dakota’s Republican primary for governor, according to a new KELOLAND Media Group/Emerson College poll.
Doeden draws 26% support among likely GOP voters, ahead of U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson at 23%, a reversal from March when Johnson led. Gov. Larry Rhoden follows at 19%, with state Rep. Jon Hansen at 16%.
The May 18–19 poll surveyed 452 Republican voters and has a margin of error of ±3.2 percentage points. With no candidate near the 35% needed to win outright, the race is on track for a runoff between the top two finishers.
Rhoden’s job approval stands at 26%, while Johnson faces a 55% disapproval rate. The poll also found strong opposition (71%) to adopting a state income tax and mixed views on property tax relief proposals.
South Dakota’s GOP primary is set for June 2, with only registered Republicans eligible to vote.
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