Podcast: Rhoden’s victory, a quote that doomed Doeden, and a Democrat’s ‘uphill battle’
Jul 29, 2026 | 5:08 pm ET
Description
Gov. Larry Rhoden gives a victory speech while surrounded by family members at his election night watch party in downtown Sioux Falls on July 28, 2026. Rhoden won the Republican nomination for governor after a runoff election with political newcomer Toby Doeden. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)
Republican political commentator Pat Powers joins Searchlight Report once again — this time to give his takes on Tuesday’s runoff election for the Republican nomination for governor. Powers has been writing about South Dakota campaigns for more than 20 years on his South Dakota War College blog.
Gov. Larry Rhoden won 71% of the vote Tuesday, overtaking Toby Doeden, who finished first in the earlier primary. Rhoden will face Democratic nominee Dan Ahlers, a former state legislator, in the Nov. 3 general election.
Click here to access a transcript for this episode.
Pierre, SD
