Larry Rhoden — Republican Candidate for Governor in South Dakota, 2026

Larry Rhoden supports the continuation of Operation Prairie Thunder, a state-federal collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for anti-crime and immigration enforcement. This operation has resulted in individuals being handed over to ICE custody. He also anticipates signing a bill that permits challenges to voter registrations based on citizenship status. His administration emphasizes that these efforts contribute to keeping South Dakota strong, safe, and free.

“Our saturation patrols were so successful in Sioux Falls that we took them on the road... To date, Operation: Prairie Thunder has yielded 432 individuals brought into custody, over 1,000 drug charges, nearly 250 warrants executed... 63 illegal aliens handed over to ICE custody, and 9 cartel or gang members apprehended." (Gov. Larry Rhoden, State of the State address via Multistate.us, February 4, 2026)”

Governor Larry Rhoden signed HB 1044, allocating funds for the Rural Health Transformation Program to enhance access to care, modernize rural facilities, and recruit healthcare professionals. He also signed HB 1043 to strengthen the rural healthcare workforce, emphasizing that rural communities are a priority for quality healthcare access. Additionally, he called on lawmakers to prevent abortion pills from entering South Dakota.

““This is a big win for rural South Dakota! This may be the most significant investment in rural healthcare in South Dakota’s history, and it will strengthen our state for our kids and grandkids,” said Rhoden. “By recruiting healthcare professionals, modernizing rural facilities, and expanding access to care, we will ensure South Dakotans in every corner of the state can stay healthy and strong.” (Larry Rhoden, drgnews.com, January 29, 2026)”

Larry Rhoden signed a bill banning the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines. He stated his commitment to private property rights and aims to restore trust between landowners and developers. Rhoden believes voluntary land-access agreements should be the path forward, noting that the ban does not kill proposed projects. This measure impacts the ethanol industry's ability to lower its carbon footprint.

“I am no stranger to discussions about eminent domain and property rights. l’ve fought for private property rights in this Capitol for over 20 years. When I was a legislator, I was the prime sponsor of legislation that reformed eminent domain to protect property rights. I don’t just care about landowners — I am a landowner.” (Gov. Larry Rhoden, in a letter explaining his decision, Iowa Capital Dispatch, March 6, 2025)”

Larry Rhoden, as Governor, called on lawmakers in January 2026 to prevent abortion pills from entering South Dakota, stating they pose a threat to unborn lives and cause complications for women. His office also supported legislation defining the state's abortion ban exceptions to exclude ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage management. Throughout his legislative career, he has voted in favor of measures such as abortion limitations, pre-abortion sonograms, offering sonograms, and requiring counseling and waiting periods before an abortion.

“The biggest threat to unborn lives is abortion pills being illegally mailed into our state. Abortion pills cause a higher rate of medical complications for women – that’s a fact. More than that, they end the life of an unborn child. I’ve worked on this issue for over 20 years. Back in my freshman term in the Legislature, I was the prime sponsor of a House Concurrent Resolution urging the FDA to reconsider its approval of drugs that kill babies." - Larry Rhoden, State of the State Address, January 13, 2026.”

Research pending more substantial sources.

“While we keep South Dakota safe, South Dakota is keeping the nation safe and secure. In fact, our state is punching above our weight in national security. Of course, our Secretary of Homeland Security is my predecessor, Kristi Noem. John Thune is our U.S. Senate Majority Leader. Senator Mike Rounds serves on the armed services committee and focuses on defense, intelligence, and cybersecurity. The Secretary of the Air Force is a South Dakotan, Dr. Troy Meink. The next generation B-21 bomber is coming to Ellsworth Air Force Base in Western South Dakota. And our cybersecurity industry has grown by 350% over the last decade, the second-fastest growth in the nation.”

Larry Rhoden proposed a flat education budget for 2026, citing limited revenues and declining public school enrollment, while noting a 27.9% funding increase since 2019. He announced the state will opt into a federal education tax credit program to expand school choice, aiming to support innovation in learning. Rhoden also proposed legislation for a State Apprenticeship Agency, dedicated $6 million to literacy instruction, and signed bills supporting higher education facilities.

““Regardless of where they receive their education, my goal as governor is to support innovation, not to stand in the way. So, we will continue to champion policies to expand freedom and learning for our students,” Larry Rhoden, Dakota News Now, November 14, 2025.”

Larry Rhoden signed Senate Bill 2 in 2026, deregulating gun silencers by removing them from South Dakota's controlled weapons list. He stated this action demonstrates respect for Second Amendment rights and positions South Dakota as a leader in reducing regulatory burdens for gun owners. His pro-gun stance is recognized by firearm industry associations such as the NSSF and NRA.

““South Dakota is the most Second Amendment-friendly state in America, and this is yet another opportunity for us to pave the way and set an example for the rest of the nation,” Rhoden said in a statement on February 10, 2026, as reported by South Dakota Searchlight.”