MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Nearly 6 in 10 South Dakotans plan to vote for Republican nominee Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election, according to a scientific poll of 500 registered voters co-sponsored by South Dakota News Watch.
Trump in control: Trump holds a lead of 59% to 33% over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the survey, which was also sponsored by the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota.
Behind the numbers: Trump’s 59% showing is up since a similar poll in May, which had him at 50% and President Joe Biden at 31%. Biden dropped out of the race July 21. In the May poll, some of Trump’s support was siphoned by Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who suspended his campaign but remains on the South Dakota ballot.
Incumbents have edge: U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen are well ahead in their re-election bids, with Johnson leading Democratic challenger Sheryl Johnson 61% to 24% and Fiegen polling at 50% in a three-candidate field.