2026 South Dakota gubernatorial election explained

Election Name:	2026 South Dakota gubernatorial election
Country:	South Dakota
Type:	gubernatorial
Ongoing:	yes
Previous Election:	2022 South Dakota gubernatorial election
Previous Year:	2022
Next Election:	2030 South Dakota gubernatorial election
Next Year:	2030
Election Date:	November 3, 2026
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Governor
Before Election:	Kristi Noem
Before Party:	Republican Party (United States)

The 2026 South Dakota gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of South Dakota. Incumbent Republican Governor Kristi Noem is term-limited and thus ineligible to seek a third consecutive term.

Republican primary

Candidates

Potential

• Marty Jackley, South Dakota Attorney General (2009–2019, 2023–present) and candidate for governor in 2018^[1]
• Dusty Johnson, U.S. Representative for (2019–present)^[2]
• Russell Olson, former Majority Leader of the South Dakota Senate (2013) from the 8th district (2009–2013)^[2]
• Larry Rhoden, Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota (2019–present)^[2]
• Mike Rounds, U.S. Senator (2015–present) and former governor (2003–2011)^[3]
• Paul TenHaken, mayor of Sioux Falls (2018–present)^[2]

Notes and References

1. News: October 16, 2023 . . Cabinet shakeups & more state political news . June 14, 2023 . Hendry . Jackie . Koester . Ellen . Jungemann . Ari.
2. Web site: 2023-06-12 . SD Republican voters share preferences for potential 2026 primary matchups . 2023-09-07 . Dakota News Now . en.
3. Web site: 2023-04-14 . Rounds discusses potential bid for governor in 2026 . Strubinger . Lee . 2023-09-07 . SDPB . en.