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South Dakota · 2026 United States general election · November 3

Governor

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2
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2

Official source: South Dakota Secretary of State, Division of Elections ↗(opens in a new tab) · check the state's own candidate list for the final word

Governor Vote for one
Larry Rhoden Republican · Incumbent Larry Rhoden, Republican rancher and career politician, is South Dakota's incumbent governor seeking a full term in 2026. Full profile → Dan Ahlers Democratic Dan Ahlers is the 2026 Democratic nominee for South Dakota governor and executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party. Full profile →

Candidate list checked 7 d ago

Side by side

One line per issue, from each candidate’s own sourced positions. Open a profile for the quotes and sources behind it.

IssueLarry Rhoden
Republican
Dan Ahlers
Democratic
Economy & jobsSupports Future Fund, value-added ag, and property tax cuts for growth Supports higher wages, small businesses, and local economic development
HousingSupports property tax cuts to make homeownership more affordable Supports expanding affordable housing availability for working families
Health careSupports rural health investment, in-home care, and broadband access Supports keeping rural hospitals open and expanding healthcare access
ImmigrationSupports state cooperation with ICE and federal immigration enforcement Open to cooperation with ICE but opposes heavy-handed enforcement
Abortion & reproductive rightsPro-life; signed multiple abortion restriction bills in 2026 Voted against mandating anti-abortion counseling referrals in 2018
EducationSupports state/local control, phonics reading, school choice, and teacher pay Supports fully funding K–12 education, school lunches, and early childhood programs
Climate & energyno sourced position Supports expanded eminent-domain ban and landowner protections on CO₂ pipelines
Crime & public safetyPrioritizes law enforcement, crime reduction, and tougher parole Supports tribal relations commission with public safety role
Taxes & budgetDelivered largest property tax cut in SD history via sales tax swap Opposes state income tax; supports using state funds to reduce property taxes
GunsSupports Second Amendment; made SD first state to deregulate suppressors Voted against allowing concealed carry in the State Capitol
Democracy & electionsSigned 20 election bills; vetoed geographic signature requirement Opposes overturning voter-approved ballot measures; supports government transparency
Foreign policy & defenseOpposes CCP influence; promotes SD defense industry as national security no sourced position

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