South Dakota Republicans to Debate Key Issues on April 27

The leading candidates for the 2026 South Dakota Republican gubernatorial primary will engage in a televised debate on April 27 in Sioux Falls. The event, co-hosted by The Dakota Scout and Forum Communications, aims to provide voters with insights into the candidates’ positions as they prepare for a pivotal election.

Scheduled to participate are current Governor Larry Rhoden, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson, House Speaker Jon Hansen, and businessman Toby Doeden. The debate will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on KSFL-TV and KNBN NewsCenter 1. Both stations are part of Forum Communications, which has expanded its presence in South Dakota through various media platforms.

Organizers emphasize the importance of this debate, as it will address crucial issues facing the state. According to Joe Sneve, co-founder of The Dakota Scout, “Voters will hear from candidates in one of the most consequential and historic elections in South Dakota history.” The outcome of this primary will determine the Republican nominee, who will play a significant role in the state’s future direction.

The debate will be moderated by Jonathan Ellis, co-founder of The Dakota Scout, alongside Patrick Lalley, editor of SiouxFallsLive.com. Mary Jo Hotzler, Chief Content Officer of Forum Communications, remarked on the collaboration, highlighting the need for professional journalism in political debates. “Debates give voters the information they need to help make decisions,” she stated.

In addition to the televised broadcast, the debate will be available for livestreaming across multiple digital platforms. Organizers also plan to provide extensive pre- and post-debate coverage, ensuring that voters have access to a wide range of information. Opportunities for public attendance will be limited, with further details expected to be released soon.

This debate follows another scheduled for April 13, co-hosted by South Dakota Public Broadcasting and South Dakota News Watch. Governor Rhoden’s campaign indicated that he is unlikely to participate in more than one additional debate beyond these two, emphasizing the need for statewide media coverage to reach voters effectively.

In a statement, Rhoden expressed his support for the debate format, noting, “Debates are a crucial tool for South Dakotans to contrast the candidates’ records and their ideas for the state’s future.” He also called for media outlets to consider hosting debates for the lieutenant governor candidates, underscoring the importance of that position for South Dakota’s governance.

Other candidates, including Johnson, Doeden, and Hansen, have expressed their eagerness to engage with voters through these debates. Johnson’s campaign confirmed his commitment to the two scheduled debates, while Doeden remarked, “People deserve a chance to see firsthand who they want to be governor.”

Hansen echoed this sentiment, stating, “I will adjust my schedule to be available wherever and whenever the other candidates agree to appear to debate the future of South Dakota.” As the election approaches, the April 27 debate promises to be a significant event in shaping the narrative of the gubernatorial race.