Yes.
South Dakota recorded the nation's lowest real gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate in the first quarter of 2026, according to government data.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Toby Doeden said Monday that the state’s GDP had the lowest growth in the nation in response to departing Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken endorsing Gov. Larry Rhoden in July 28 Republican primary runoff.
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported that three states had negative GDP growth during the first quarter of 2026: South Dakota (-1.6%), Nebraska (-0.9%) and Iowa (-0.1%). Washington state had the highest growth at 4.5%. The BEA attributed the decline to downturns in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industries.
South Dakota's GDP was among the nation's best in the fourth quarter of 2025, however, at 3%. Only North Dakota (3.8%) had a better quarter.
The BEA will release final second-quarter GDP data in September.
This fact brief responds to claims such as this one.
Sources
Bureau of Economic Analysis, GDP First Quarter 2026
Bureau of Economic Analysis, GDP Fourth Quarter 2025
Dakota News Now, Paul TenHaken endorses Gov. Larry Rhoden for reelection
Toby Doeden, Facebook post
South Dakota News Watch partners with Gigafact to publish fact briefs that refute or confirm a claim with supporting information and additional evidence and context. Submit a question for us to answer on the tipline. Contact freelance reporter Michael Klinski: michael.klinski@sdnewswatch.org.
