The poll shows that there are clearly two front-runners in the four-way race with Johnson and Rhoden, but Doeden and Hansen have gained support

PIERRE, S.D. – If the 2026 primary election for U.S. House were held today, most South Dakota Republicans would support Attorney General Marty Jackley, according to a scientific poll of registered GOP voters co-sponsored by South Dakota News Watch.

Uncertainty remains over how much financial backing Rhoden can generate in a race that could set spending records in South Dakota politics. Both Doeden and Johnson are expected to have the ability to spend in excess of $10 million to get their names on the November ballot.

Secretary of State Monae Johnson was expected to attend Thursday’s meeting, but canceled a couple of days beforehand.

Rep. Dusty Johnson’s June decision to run for governor was expected to kick off a stampede for South Dakota’s At-Large District. But the field has remained surprisingly sparse since then, even though open congressional seats frequently invite rowdy crowds of candidates.

A legislative committee voted unanimously on Thursday to order South Dakota’s secretary of state to answer questions about the state’s election equipment contracts.