The 2026 general election is in the books. While it was a “blue wave” across the country, in South Dakota, Republicans in South Dakota won all nine statewide elections. The Republican Party extended its winning streak to 59 statewide wins since 2010, the third-longest such streak in state history. Meanwhile, Democrats gained seats in the State Legislature for the first time since 2008, increasing from eight seats to twelve. (The legislative results are discussed in a separate post.)
Rhoden notches a historic first
Governor Larry Rhoden’s election victory made history in several respects. Rhoden became the first South Dakota governor to succeed to office from the lieutenant governorship and subsequently win election to a full term. In an election year that saw the state’s first-ever runoff election, Rhoden became the first candidate to advance through three statewide elections in a single year: the June Republican primary, the July runoff, and the November general election.
Rhoden is the first West River resident elected governor since M. Q. Sharpe of Kennebec, who was elected in 1942 and reelected in 1944. Rhoden is the fifth West River governor, following Tom Berry of Belvidere (1933-37), Leslie Jensen of Hot Springs (1937-39), Sharpe (1943-47), and Walter Dale Miller, (1993-95) who succeeded to the office after the death of Governor George S. Mickelson. Rhoden is the second “West River rancher” to be elected governor, following Berry.
The ticket of Governor Rhoden and Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen won 63.5% of the general election vote (pending the final election canvas), a 27% margin over Democrats Dan Ahlers and Steve McCleerey. That win is comparable to other recent governors seeking reelection, including Kristi Noem in 2022, Mike Rounds in 2006, and Bill Janklow in 1998.
Rhoden, though, was unusual in that he was an incumbent running his first general election for the office, the first time this situation has arisen in South Dakota. Viewed in that light, his performance was especially noteworthy, as his 63.5% vote share is the best showing for a first-time gubernatorial nominee since George T. Mickelson in 1946.
Rhoden’s victory extends the Republican Party’s streak to 13 consecutive gubernatorial general election victories, dating back to Bill Janklow’s election in 1978. That’s the longest current streak of gubernatorial control in the country, and the longest in South Dakota history.
Finally, Rhoden’s reelection means that, assuming he completes his new term, he will be just the 31st South Dakotan in state history to serve more than 25 years in state and federal office.
Rounds reaches a milestone
U.S. Senator Mike Rounds was reelected with 60.5%, defeating independent challenger Brian Bengs. Rounds’ share of the vote is comparable to past reelection wins by U.S. Senators Peter Norbeck in 1926, Karl Mundt in 1948, Tom Daschle in 1998, and Tim Johnson in 2008.
With his win, Rounds joins Peter Norbeck as the only South Dakotans to serve two terms as governor and three terms in the U.S. Senate. Rounds is already one of just 31 South Dakotans who have served at least 25 years in state and federal elected office. He has served ten years in the State Senate, eight years as governor, and now will serve eighteen year in the U.S. Senate. Assuming Rounds completes his new term, that 36 years of service in state and federal elected office will match the career of U.S. Senator Tim Johnson as the longest in state history.
Jackley goes to Washington
Marty Jackley was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, winning 64.0% against Democrat Nikki Gronli. Jackley will succeed Congressman Dusty Johnson, who is concluding his fourth term in the U.S. House and who lost his bid for the Republican nomination for governor in June.
Jackley is the longest-serving attorney general in South Dakota history. Appointed by Governor Mike Rounds in 2009, he served the final 16 months of a term won by Attorney General Larry Long, who had resigned to become a circuit judge. Jackley was reelected in 2010 and 2014 and then, after an unsuccessful bid for governor in 2018, returned to the AG’s office 2022. He will be the fourth South Dakota attorney general to serve in the U.S. House, following: Philo Hall (AG 1903-07, U.S. House 1907-09), Royal C. Johnson (AG 1911-15, U.S. House 1915-33), and Bill Janklow (AG 1975-79, US House 2003-04).
Jackley, a Sturgis native, will serve in Congress alongside U.S. Senators John Thune, a Murdo native, and Mike Rounds, a longtime Pierre resident who now lives in Fort Pierre. Along with Governor Larry Rhoden of Union Center, it is arguably the most West River-oriented slate of top officials in the state’s history.
