SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Dusty Johnson’s campaign is dismissing Toby Doeden’s gubernatorial candidacy after Doeden described himself as “good” and Johnson as “evil.”
“South Dakotans deserve a leader who will bring our state together, who will lead with integrity, and who will demonstrate the value of being a work horse, not a show horse,” a statement sent Tuesday to KELOLAND News said. “It’s pretty clear Toby is not that person.”
“It’s going to become abundantly clear that there are two choices in June: light versus dark, good versus evil,” Doeden said Monday to KELOLAND’s Dan Santella. “I’m light; I’m good. Dusty’s dark; Dusty’s evil. Those are going to be the two choices.”
Johnson, who currently serves as South Dakota’s lone lawmaker in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, has not announced his candidacy to become the state’s governor. He has, however, said the possibility has crossed his mind.
“Certainly getting a lot of encouragement across the state to run for governor,” Johnson said April 22. “I’m not worried about that right now. I do give it a little bit of consideration every once in a while, but day in and day out, I really need to be focused on my day job.”
The primary election is set for June 2, 2026 ahead of the general election in November.
