South Dakota Voters Split in 2026 GOP Governor Primary as Dusty Johnson and Jon Hansen Draw Support
Updated
Updated · KOTA · Jun 2
South Dakota Voters Split in 2026 GOP Governor Primary as Dusty Johnson and Jon Hansen Draw Support
3 articles · Updated · KOTA · Jun 2
Sioux Falls and Rapid City voters told reporters they were divided mainly between Dusty Johnson and Jon Hansen in South Dakota’s Republican governor primary, with Toby Doeden drawing some outsider-minded support.
Johnson backers cited experience and moderation, while Hansen supporters pointed to family values and a fresher conservative alternative; Doeden voters focused on change and his pledge to phase out property taxes.
Several voters said the combined local, state and federal ballot made the primary feel unusually important but also harder to navigate, with some leaving down-ballot races blank because they lacked enough information.
Congressional choices also reflected a mix of continuity and change: some Republicans backed Attorney General Marty Jackley for U.S. House and incumbent Mike Rounds for Senate, while others sought newer faces.