Kristi Noem's successor, Gov. Rhoden, edges out competitor in South Dakota GOP primary runoff

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden rose successfully against a challenge from Toby Doeden, a wealthy businessman, in the state's Republican primary runoff election on Tuesday. 

The Associated Press called the race for Rhoden minutes after the polls closed, by which point he had received 70.5% of the vote compared with Doeden's 29.5%.

Rhoden became governor in early 2025 after Kristi Noem left to be head of the Department of Homeland Security. Doeden entered the race as a businessman, Bitcoin promoter and political outsider. 

Four candidates, which included U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and state Rep. Jon Hansen, ran in the state's June primary. None of the candidates received the 35% required to win outright, triggering the state's first-ever primary runoff. 

Spending in the race was heavy, KELOLAND News reported. As of May 19, Doeden had raised $2 million from loans to himself. Rhoden said he raised $1.8 million in the runoff election, and Doeden declined to share how much he had raised. 

Trump declined to endorse either candidate.