SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Toby Doeden of Aberdeen, S.D. describes himself as “a grassroots conservative.” In addition to his role as president of Doeden Investment Group, he is also chair of the political action committee Dakota First Action.
According to campaign finance reports, the PAC has financially supported several current Republican members of South Dakota’s state legislature.
“I started Dakota First Action because I wanted to inject resources, energy, time, money into getting the right people elected to our state legislature so we could finally start making some meaningful changes in this state,” Doeden said Monday.
Doeden, 50, is now running to become South Dakota’s governor.
“I can’t think of a better way to describe me that would make me more proud than an ‘outsider,’ because I don’t want any part of the inside of the nonsense that’s been happening in Pierre the last 10 and 20 years,” Doeden said. “I don’t want to be associated with that at all. I’m going to Pierre to tip it upside down, dump out the trash and actually move South Dakota forward.”
As he looks to court voters, Doeden highlights one issue in particular.
“We are going to get immediate relief for all property owners in South Dakota, and ultimately, yes, we are going to eliminate property tax,” Doeden said.
Three well-known Republicans currently holding office, Gov. Larry Rhoden, Attorney General Marty Jackley and U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson, are all on record saying they’re considering a run for governor in South Dakota. Republican Speaker of the House in Pierre, Jon Hansen, has already announced his candidacy. KELOLAND News brought up all four of these names Monday, but Doeden only zeroes in on one, drawing a stark contrast between himself and a possible opponent.
“It’s going to become abundantly clear that there are two choices in June: light versus dark, good versus evil,” Doeden said. “I’m light; I’m good. Dusty’s dark; Dusty’s evil. Those are going to be the two choices.”
The primary election is set for June 2, 2026 ahead of the general election in November.
