Gov. Larry Rhoden pushed back Monday against comments made by gubernatorial rival U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson.
In an interview last week with News Watch, Johnson argued a recent poll had demonstrated Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden, and not the current sitting governor, was his closest challenger for the Republican nomination for governor.
The Emerson College poll commissioned by KELO-TV showed Johnson on top with support from 28% of respondents, while Doeden received 18%, Rhoden got 17% and House Speaker Jon Hansen received 14%. Almost a quarter of respondents, 23%, were undecided.
"When you see Doeden polling at second place, and having far more resources than Rhoden, I increasingly get the sense this is a two-person race," Johnson said.
Rhoden's team hit back, arguing the governor's ability to get several key pieces of legislation over the line in this year's session meant Johnson's comments come from a place of concern rather than dismissiveness.
"Governor Rhoden isn’t focused on who he’s running against, but on what he’s running for. His achievements, including the biggest property tax cut in state history, prove he’s the right man for the job. Other candidates are dismissing him because they recognize that reality," Ian Fury, Rhoden's campaign manager, told News Watch March 16 in a statement.
Campaign finance disclosure forms filed at the end of January showed Johnson and Doeden raising roughly $1.6 million and $2.1 million respectively in 2025, with the latter having the majority his campaign funds come from his own personal fortune. Johnson also received an additional $900,000 in funds from an affiliated political action committee.
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Rhoden raised approximately $500,000 despite declaring to run in November, compared to Johnson announcing in June and Doeden in April.
Rhoden's pushback against Johnson came the same day he announced the appointment of two key roles on his campaign team. In addition to confirming Fury as his campaign manager, Rhoden named Lexie Warejcka as finance director.
“Ian and Lexie are both incredibly competent, and I look forward to having them work with me on this campaign to help us keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free," Rhoden said in an email sent by his campaign.
Alexander Rifaat
South Dakota News Watch is an independent nonprofit. Read, donate and subscribe for free at sdnewswatch.org. Contact politics and statehouse reporter Alexander Rifaat: 605-736-4396/alexander.rifaat@sdnewswatch.org.
