South Dakota gubernatorial hopeful Toby Doeden has spent nearly $187,000 on broadcast TV ads just weeks after launching his campaign—an unusually early and aggressive move with the Republican primary still a year away.
Doeden, a businessman from Aberdeen, kicked off his campaign on May 28, promoting his Trump-aligned platform and business credentials. Federal Communications Commission filings show his ad buys span from late May through early July, making him the most visible candidate so far.
Other declared Republican contenders include Rep. Dusty Johnson and House Speaker Jon Hansen, though neither has matched Doeden’s spending. Johnson has spent roughly $28,000, while Hansen has yet to invest in TV ads.
The only declared Democrat is Robert Arnold, a college student. South Dakota’s campaign finance disclosure deadline isn’t until January, but FCC rules require transparency for political ad purchases.
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