The second gubernatorial debate was held last night, offering voters another look at a Republican primary field still taking shape just seven weeks before Election Day.
Incumbent Larry Rhoden continues to hold a slight edge following the debate, presenting himself as a steady and experienced leader. Rhoden emphasized his agricultural and military background, a combination that appears to resonate with voters seeking continuity. Notably, he avoided mentioning former governor Kristi Noem, a move that may signal an effort to distance himself from her. While he showed occasional moments of hesitation, his overall performance remained solid and unlikely to deter supporters.
State lawmaker Jon Hansen, who I previously viewed as a potential dark horse, delivered a steady but unremarkable performance. Hansen did little to distinguish himself from the rest of the field, reinforcing perceptions of him as a traditional career politician without a strong breakout moment in this debate.
U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson demonstrated a firm grasp of policy, but still struggles to connect on a personal level. Despite his command of the issues, questions remain about his relatability and overall appeal to voters. He looks like a Teen Republican among the group.
Businessman Toby Doeden emerged as one of the evening’s biggest surprises. Viewed as an outsider with a blunt style, Doeden delivered a detail-oriented performance, backing up his arguments with a strong command of facts and figures. He also leaned into his status as the only non-career politician in the race, positioning himself as a fresh alternative. Pierre needS new blood.
With the primary approaching, the race remains fluid. Rhoden maintains his position as the front-runner, but Doeden appears to be gaining momentum. Still, with weeks to go and limited statewide recognition for much of the field, the contest remains wide open—and subject to change.
