2 candidates are running: Dan Ahlers (Democratic) and Larry Rhoden (Republican). Larry Rhoden is the incumbent.

Unofficial result: the winner is Larry Rhoden (Republican).

Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Name: Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Start: 2026-11-03
Location: South Dakota

Unofficial result: Won — Larry Rhoden (Republican)

Source: electionresults.sd.gov

South Dakota

My vote power: Average

What does this office do?

Signing or vetoing bills that become state law
Proposing the state budget for schools, roads, and health care
Picking who leads state agencies

Affects: AI Regulation, Healthcare Affordability, Environment and Public Health,

Candidates:

Dan Ahlers

Lost

Democratic

Dan Ahlers is a Dell Rapids small business owner who served six years in the state Legislature and has led the South Dakota Democratic Party as executive director. He says his focus is affordable health care and strong public schools.

Records: Public Education Quality 5 for, Women's Reproductive Rights 3 for, 1 against, Environment and Public Health 3 for,

Larry Rhoden

Won

Republican · Incumbent

Larry Rhoden is South Dakota's governor and a lifelong rancher. He served 16 years in the Legislature, including as House Majority Leader, and six years as lieutenant governor, and says his focus is low taxes, property rights, and low crime.

Records: Women's Reproductive Rights 9 against, Government Spending Reduction 2 for, 6 against, Gun Control 7 against,

Sources: vip.sdsos.gov · sdsos.gov