A Pierre teenager has announced that he will be running for Governor on the Democrat Ticket in 2026, according to multiple sources. In the Dakota Scout version of the story, it appears that state Democrats are someone ambivalent about the whole thing:
Robert Arnold has a double major, a student ID, and a vision.
The 19-year-old Dakota State University student announced he’s running for governor in 2026—as a Democrat. If he gets on the ballot, he’ll be the youngest serious candidate for governor in U.S. history. The state Constitution has a requirement that a governor or lieutenant governor be at least 21 years old.
and..
Arnold is not blind to the odds.
“The state party told me they had someone else in mind,” he said. Arnold said he didn’t know who that was.
Awwwww! Arnold’s first failed attempt at running for office!
We can give him points for caring enough to run. He should start with rebuilding his party though.
This. Yeah, he has no chance
But at least he’s better than us: a bunch of cynical internet posters who just lob stones all day. I wish him luck in the future, even if his desires currently are a bit quixotic.
Agreed. Admire the gumption but get your ducks in a row with the party before announcing anything if you want to stand a chance.
First of many, I predict.
It’s Democratic Party, not Democrat Party. Thank you.
No…Democrat Party…there is nothing “Democratic” with the Democrat Party…
Sounds as dumb as someone calling it the “Republic” party to try to be insulting. Name calling should be beneath us.
The Democrats aren’t the ones who are sponsoring bills in favor of voter suppression sweetie
The Democrats didn’t cause January 6
The Democrats aren’t in bed with Putin
The Democrats don’t spread misinformation
Put the bong down, you’re hallucinating.
Biden is sharp as a tack.
Biden has so much energy it’s hard to keep up with him.
You mean that kind of misinformation??
Lassie would be better than the occupant in the White House and his completely unqualified and reckless administration.
Enjoy measles and others making a comeback.
The Democratics, as a bunch in whole, do not seem to stand united in many regards.
I think you can call it the sparkly dress party.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1133743485447604&set=pcb.1133744535447499
I know nothing about him, but I’d vote for him over Toby. Not that either of them will make it through a primary.
I think many in here are underestimating Toby and his horde. He’s out there doing more damage to the party than any Madison Avenue firm could. He’s in early and has a truckload of money (over a million of it in free taxpayer money). He already has that hard far-right base behind him. I say underestimate him at your peril.
He’s certainly doing damage to the party, I’ll give you that.
You have to give him the fact that he has guts and ambition. And in RED SD of all places. I wish him luck!
I applaud the courage of this young man.
I’d vote for Robert Arnold over Hansen/Lemmings or Doeden/Jensen any day.
When I read Robert Arnold for a second there I though it was Robb Arnold brother of ex governor Kristi Noem
We should not rule either of the Messrs. Arnold out.
Ed Driving Hawk and Jeff Hazelett ran for gov and lt gov at a young age. I think jeff was 18. Can’t remember how old Driving Hawk was, but doubt he was more than 21
Just finished watching his campaign launch speech at the Capitol on youtube. Robert Arnold is very bright and far better than the Ding Dongs that have already announced. Sick of the constant pandering with little substance of real problem solving by Hansen/Lems.
The last thing we need is the other ding-a-ling that fits the stereotype of a sleezy used car salesman that is not very bright, has a giant sized grudge, angry and wants to burn everything down.
Robert Arnold’s campaign for governor represents a refreshing new and positive direction for South Dakota. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbk2ut_r6JY