Governor Rhoden Announces Debate Plans
Rapid City, SD – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced his plans to participate in statewide debates during the 2026 gubernatorial primary. Governor Rhoden accepted two statewide debates that have been announced and laid out a recommendation for one additional gubernatorial and a lieutenant gubernatorial debate.
“This election is not about who I’m running against, but what I’m running for: to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “I realize that debates are a crucial tool for South Dakotans to contrast the candidates’ records and their ideas for the state’s future. Being Governor is a full-time job, and the debates that are scheduled should have a statewide media broadcast to reach the most South Dakotans possible.”
Governor Rhoden accepted the two debates that have already been announced:
- An April 13 debate co-hosted by South Dakota Public Broadcasting and South Dakota News Watch; and
- An April 27 debate co-hosted by the Dakota Scout and Forum News, which includes print and TV outlets on both sides of the state.
“I would welcome a third gubernatorial debate, and the media outlets should also offer a lieutenant gubernatorial debate, since that position is vitally important for our state’s future, as well,” continued Governor Rhoden.
Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen also invited the other campaigns to put forward their lieutenant governor selections for a lieutenant gubernatorial debate.
“Governor Rhoden is built for this moment. He is proof that who you choose as your running mate matters, given that he became our 34th Governor after Secretary Noem’s confirmation,” said Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen. “I would enjoy the opportunity to discuss our state’s future with the lieutenant governor challengers.”
The primary election is June 2, 2026. To learn more about the Rhoden for Governor campaign, visit GovernorLarryRhoden.com.
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Obvious bait to get Toby and Dusty to prematurely pick an Lt. when in reality nobody cares about them
I care about them, as do most voters who seriously consider their selections.
Lt. Governor debates will also send a message to the SDGOP as to which candidate is supported by the voters, and hopefully they’ll consider that at their convention (should they actually manage to have one).
the Lt Governor candidate is selected by the Gubernatorial candidate now. The two can appear together on the primary ballot, or the winner of the primary can nominate his LG choice after the primary. The delegates can all pound sand as for as the LG candidate goes. They no longer have a vote.
The old adage “rules aren’t made until they are broken” applied here.
The media looks bad not having a threshold when polling. Candidates should have to be over 10% or 20%.
Tony pitching for Larry. It’s a crazy world boys and girls. Friendships don’t matter much when you’re offered the Lt.Gov spot I guess.
It is possible to be friends with multiple people. Tony has earned the support of many from all factions. Who knows maybe Dusty will pick him too.
That’s laughable
Tony is without shame or ethics.
Larry- “Tony would you be my Lt?
Tony- “I better wait incase another friend of mine decides to run for Gov next year.”
Sounds pretty ridiculous to me.
Tony is like a college player who enters the portal after each season.
Haha. Yes. Tony will enter the portal if they lose the primary. Immediately start negotiating his next government appointment.
When they lose the primary
Hansen being in the debate hurts Larry and Toby.
The MAGA civil war has made its way to South Dakota and into the Republican primary. There will many casualties, conspiracies and increased fear and loathing.
Voter/campaign fundraising repellent and campaign killer Crazy Larry Kurtz has been trying to recruit a gubernatorial candidate to run for the Dems. Wisely they responded “Thanks, but no thanks Larry”.
Most know Larry’s number and let it roll over to voicemail with emails going to the junk file. A few accidently end up talking to him and politely end the call quickly. One of those everyone wishes would go away. He left the state and reality long ago!
Larry KURTZ, I assume?
You should show a little more respect for grudznick’s close personal friend, Lar. He is somewhat misunderstood, and somewhat insaner than most.
Why would Dusty and Larry debate Hansen when he’s in single digits?
This is a disservice to the electorate.
I agree. I was surprised he was even open to a third debate. I would say the same for Doeden. Oh my.
Good move by Venhuizen. He and Lems will have a great debate.
Larry trying to make Tony do debates because he will be so terrible? Tony or Larry the gov?
Interim Rhoden never participated in a debate…
Cause he didn’t have the nomination at that point. The process has changed.
Will Larry have Tony debate on his behalf? Can Tony get the nod for LtGov with Dusty as well?
Tony is likely to be selected by either Dusty or Larry because he is qualified, and will work just as hard for one as the other.
No chance. Who is on working under the assumption that Tony is a more valuable pick than any other person in the state? His number one quality is book smart nerd. Use some google searches if you need a book smart.
This press release being half about Vanhuizen debating instead of Rhoden tells you everything you need to know about how they think Larry will do. Voters just don’t care about the Lt. Governor.
Dusty will separate himself from the pack once they are all on the same stage
The Rhoden Rhangers will fill the debate halls, and their booming voices will prevail against the noise of the fake media.
Indeed, they will see how effeminate and small he is compared to other ACTUAL MEN. lmao