Behind-the-Scenes Power Shift in South Dakota | Pierre News

Behind the scenes, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson quietly deployed his political machine to help Governor Larry Rhoden win South Dakota’s first-ever Republican gubernatorial runoff, redirecting staff, voter data, and donor support away from rival Toby Doeden — while Johnson himself never publicly endorsed Rhoden. The move, confirmed by Johnson, delivered a crucial boost to Rhoden’s get-out-the-vote efforts, helping him surge past Doeden despite finishing behind him in the primary. Meanwhile, fourth-place finisher Jon Hansen’s loyal volunteers also shifted their allegiance to Rhoden, further crippling Doeden’s campaign. Rhoden’s victory was less about his own momentum and more about strategic alliances that quietly reshaped the race. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/88f08373e4c62c0b