South Dakota Republicans on Tuesday opted to nominate incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden over challenger Toby Doeden, a businessman, in the gubernatorial runoff.
The Associated Press declared Rhoden the winner shortly after polls closed; the candidate leads by double digits. As of 10:30 p.m. ET, Rhoden had over 71 percent of the vote.
The race between the two candidates represents the first time South Dakota has ever held a gubernatorial primary runoff, which state law mandates if no candidate achieves at least 35 percent in the primary.
In the June 2 Republican gubernatorial primary, Doeden received 31 percent of the vote while Rhoden received 25 percent.
Rhoden will go on to face former state Sen. Dan Ahlers, the Democratic nominee, in November. …
Incumbent Rhoden Wins South Dakota Republican Primary for Governor
