South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden will face businessman Toby Doeden in a GOP primary runoff as he seeks a full term in office, NBC News projects.<\/p>\n
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Rhoden, the state\u2019s former lieutenant governor, replaced Kristi Noem last year when President Donald Trump nominated her to lead the Department of Homeland Security. But that did not deter several Republicans from challenging him in the primary in the deep-red state, which now heads to a July 28 runoff after no candidate eclipsed 35% of the vote.<\/p>\n
Doeden, a political newcomer, was in first place after the initial round, taking roughly 31% support with most of the expected vote tallied. Rhoden was in second with 25% followed by Rep. Dusty Johnson with 23% and former state House speaker Jon Hansen with 21%. <\/p>\n
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Candidate signs outside a polling location in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Tuesday.Samantha Laurey \/ Argus Leader<\/p>\n
Trump did not issue an endorsement in the race. But Doeden branded himself on his campaign website as \u201ca total political outsider who\u2019s tired of the government\u2019s failure to deliver on its promises\u201d and one of Trump\u2019s \u201cfiercest supporters.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rhoden, a former state agriculture secretary and lawmaker, campaigned on property tax cuts and lowering crime in his bid for a four-year term. <\/p>\n
Johnson is the state\u2019s lone representative in the House, where he previously served as chair of the Republican Main Street Caucus. Hansen, who was elected to the South Dakota House in 2010, held several leadership positions before becoming speaker. <\/p>\n