SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Robert Arnold of Pierre, S.D., turned 20 years old Saturday, a big day in and of itself as he strives to reach an even bigger milestone; the Dakota State University student is running for governor of South Dakota in 2026.
“The way I see it, the people who have been in charge have been kind of running us into the ground for quite a few years, and we need a change,” Arnold said.
The young Democrat who is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe would be eligible to serve as governor; the state constitution mandates that any governor be at least 21 years old, and Arnold will reach that birthday during the summer of 2026.
“I really care about the average, everyday person and what happens in their life,” Arnold said. “I want to bring politics back to them, back to dinner table issues, bringing, making sure people can secure a healthy living.”
The impact of property taxes is also on his radar. He’s already familiar with the Capitol building in Pierre, with experience as both a legislative page in 2023 and an intern with Senate Democrats in 2025.
“Politics isn’t about taking turns,” Arnold said. “It’s about policy. It’s about who comes to the table best serving your interest as a voter, and if I can, I want to be that person to serve people’s interests the most, and that’s what people should be voting on.”
There will be voters wondering if he has enough life experience to lead the whole state. For his part, Arnold says his youth both hinders and helps him.
“In this climate, the things aren’t getting better with the current people in power, and we need new ideas. We need fresh blood in a sense,” Arnold said. “And I think that it does actually help me because it gives me the energy to keep going.”
Also in the race are Republicans Toby Doeden, Jon Hansen and Dusty Johnson; Terry Gleason of Chamberlain is running as an independent. Before the 2026 general election, candidates for a party’s nomination will have to navigate the primary election in June. And on that note, Arnold is optimistic.
“I’m confident that I can win the primary, because I am a serious candidate, and I think after that, then I’ll have undoubtedly the full support of the Democratic Party,” Arnold said.
KELOLAND News reached out to the South Dakota Democratic Party Monday for their thoughts on support for Arnold should he win the primary and also asked whether the party intends to run someone who hasn’t yet announced. In response, the party sent a statement from party chair Shane Merrill: “The state party does not get involved with primaries and we are actively recruiting candidates up and down the ballot.”
The 2026 primary is scheduled for June 2 ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
