South Dakota Governor Election Results 2026: Rhoden vs

Result

Complete

Larry Rhoden R63.5%

193,329 votes

Dan Ahlers D36.5%

111,149 votes

671 of 671 precincts reporting. South Dakota Secretary of State, 9:19 pm Wed ET (2:19 am Thu UK).

Count over time

Final pre-election PollCheck polling average

Average: Rhoden +16.5. Result: Rhoden +27.0

Larry Rhoden (R)

53.3%

Dan Ahlers (D)

36.8%

Win probability

>99%

Rhoden - Safe R

Incumbent: Larry Rhoden (R)
Status: Incumbent nominated to full term
Last result: 2022: Kristi Noem (R) 62%, Jamie Smith (D) 35.2%
2024 president: R+29.2
Election day: 3 November 2026, polls close 8 pm and 9 pm Eastern (1 am and 2 am Wed UK)

Polling trend

Every poll

Pollster	Fieldwork	Sample	Rhoden	Ahlers	Spread	vs avg	Source
Concord Public Opinion Partners D Leans D+2.4	22 Oct 2026 - 26 Oct 2026	448 LV	48%	39%	Rhoden +9	Rhoden -7.5	Pollster
Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy Leans R+0.9↑ Poll sponsored by South Dakota News Watch & Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota .	12 Oct 2026 - 14 Oct 2026	500 LV	56%	36%	Rhoden +20		Pollster
Concord Public Opinion Partners D Leans D+2.4↑ Poll sponsored by Democrats for Education Reform	6 Oct 2026 - 8 Oct 2026	400 LV	48%	38%	Rhoden +10		Pollster