RAPID CITY, S.D. — South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden kicked off his 2026 campaign with a meet-and-greet at the Loud American in Sturgis Monday night.
Rhoden called the turnout overwhelming, noting that Sturgis is his hometown and where much of his family still lives.
With nearly a year as governor, Rhoden highlighted three accomplishments he plans to run on: banning eminent domain for carbon pipelines, slowing property tax increases, and pushing forward a new state prison construction plan.
Rhoden announced his campaign months after Congressman Dusty Johnson entered the race, saying he wanted to wait until lawmakers approved the prison plan in a special session.
He also emphasized transparency as a central theme of his campaign, saying “what you see is what you get,” and that voters know he speaks plainly and truthfully.
Rhoden gave a short speech to supporters, promising to “walk the walk” as he seeks a full term as governor.
