Rep. Dusty Johnson leads South Dakota’s GOP gubernatorial race, but no candidate clears 35% for a runoff.

A new Emerson College poll released on March 11, 2026, shows U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson leading South Dakota’s Republican gubernatorial primary with 28% support, followed by Toby Doeden at 18%, incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden at 17%, and State Rep. Jon Hansen at 14%, with 23% undecided. No candidate has reached the 35% threshold needed to avoid a runoff in the June 2 primary. The economy is the top concern for voters at 35%, followed by threats to democracy and housing at 13% each. Johnson, South Dakota’s lone U.S. House representative, maintains a consistent lead, while Rhoden’s support has dipped amid challenges linked to his association with former Gov. Kristi Noem.