PIERRE, SD — The end of the legislative session Thursday signals the start of a new phase in South Dakota politics: the ramp-up to election season.
Early polling in the race for governor suggests a competitive four-candidate contest that could ultimately lead to a runoff between the top two finishers.
Two recent polls show no candidate reaching the 35 percent threshold required to avoid a runoff under South Dakota law.
In a poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, Johnson led with 33 percent support. Gov. Larry Rhoden followed at 28 percent, a difference that falls within the poll’s margin of error.
Businessman Toby Doeden placed third with 16 percent, while state Rep. Jon Hansen registered 10 percent in the same survey.
With the legislative session now concluded, candidates are expected to shift their focus more fully to campaigning, fundraising and organizing supporters ahead of the primary election. Polling suggests the race could remain fluid in the months ahead as voters begin paying closer attention to the contest.
