PIERRE, SD (Mitchell Now) — South Dakota has released turnout data for the GOP gubernatorial runoff election on Tuesday night.
Better than 118,000 ballots were cast, which comes out to 35.92% of registered voters. The numbers could change between now and the official State Canvas on August 4th in Pierre.
Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson says, “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to every voter who made their voice heard during this historic Runoff Election. I am also deeply grateful to our hardworking county auditors, election workers, and everyone who dedicated their time and effort to ensuring a free, fair, and secure election for all South Dakotans.”
Governor Larry Rhoden won the election with 71% of the vote. He advances to the general in November where he will vie for the state’s top political post against Democratic candidate Dan Ahlers.
South Dakota has not voted in a Democrat governor since Richard Kneip in 1974. Kneip resigned on July 24, 1978, and was succeeded by Harvey Wollman. A Republican took over on January 1, 1979, and the party has had complete control since.