Chose Character over Chaos

The upcoming South Dakota gubernatorial election may be one of the most important state elections of our time.

In January 2025, when Governor Kristi Noem resigned to become the Homeland Security Secretary, then-Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden ascended into the Governor’s office.

When the dust settled, Governor Rhoden had quite a mess to deal with.

Governor Noem left a wake of controversy ranging from the use of state resources to promote herself to the Trump administration, nepotism, severed relationships with the press, and the relationship with the nine tribes in South Dakota were in shambles. 

Now comes Larry Rhoden stepping up to the plate. Much of the Noem mess was cleared up quickly and quietly. In his usual humble manner, Governor Rhoden simply said, “It’s time to reset our relationships with the tribes, the legislature, and the press,” then he acted on it. Just like you would expect a rancher—and a governor—to do. He kept his word. This is who Larry Rhoden is.

Toby Doeden is a different story. He comes barging in the door, vocal cords blazing.

Doeden has made a number of fanciful promises: to end property taxes, to rid the state of fraud and waste, to support Trump’s agenda, to shake up Pierre as the outsider and, according to his campaign signs, “Save South Dakota.”

From whom? From what?

Maybe he missed government class, but the executive branch does not have the authority to unilaterally eliminate property taxes. But he has said publicly many times, “I guarantee it.”

There is no plan, no math, just a promise that tourists will pay the $1.8 billion in lost revenue on top of what they already pay. Just a promise that he’ll be the first governor in U.S. history to eliminate property taxes.  No details, just trust him.

That promise assumes he’ll be able to convince a supermajority of 105 legislators to adopt his plan as well. Did I say plan? I meant fantasy.

It’s a noble cause though, after all, South Dakota is the 5^th lowest overall tax burden in the U.S.  I mean, there ARE four other states that are tied or are lower than SD.

What’s worse, Toby Doeden doesn’t even want to use his own personality as Governor. He wants to emulate Donald Trump. In practical terms, Doeden adopts Trump’s style in lieu of his own, and thinks Trump’s plan for America will seamlessly translate into Doeden’s plan for South Dakota. Doeden has already called people losers and spoken angrily about policy he surely doesn’t understand.

Meanwhile, who is Toby Doeden? I’m not sure anyone really knows. The guy who talks like someone else at political events and on social media?

On one hand, we have Larry Rhoden, who is a hard-working hometown veteran, rancher, volunteer firefighter, a man with outstanding character, a sincere handshake, and a stellar reputation.

On the other hand, we have a millionaire who thinks South Dakota needs saving and he’s the savior. All so he can sit in the Governor’s office and ponder WWDD?

My advice—choose character over chaos. Pick proven leadership vs. unproven promises. Vote for Larry Rhoden on July 28th.