State Speaker John Hansen Qualifies for Governor Race

Hansen submits over 5,360 signatures to appear on June 2nd primary ballot

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:49pm

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State Speaker John Hansen has officially qualified as a candidate for Governor of South Dakota. Hansen submitted more than 5,360 signatures, more than any other candidate in the race, to secure his spot on the June 2nd primary ballot. He joins Congressman Dusty Johnson as the only two candidates who have officially qualified so far, while incumbent Governor Larry Rhoden is expected to qualify as he seeks reelection.

Why it matters

Hansen's qualification marks a significant milestone in the 2026 South Dakota gubernatorial race, as the Speaker of the State House seeks to transition to the state's top executive office. This race is expected to be highly competitive, with the incumbent governor running for reelection and other prominent political figures vying for the position.

The details

In order to qualify for the gubernatorial primary ballot in South Dakota, candidates must submit at least 3,500 valid voter signatures. Hansen's campaign announced that they had submitted over 5,360 signatures, exceeding the requirement and surpassing the totals of his opponents. This demonstrates strong grassroots support for Hansen's candidacy as he looks to unseat the incumbent governor.

  • On March 24, 2026, John Hansen officially qualified as a candidate for Governor of South Dakota.
  • The South Dakota gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

John Hansen

The current Speaker of the South Dakota House of Representatives, Hansen is seeking to transition from the legislative branch to the executive branch by running for Governor of South Dakota.

Dusty Johnson

A U.S. Congressman from South Dakota, Johnson has also officially qualified as a candidate for Governor in the 2026 race.

Larry Rhoden

The incumbent Governor of South Dakota, Rhoden is expected to qualify for reelection in the 2026 race.

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What they’re saying

“My campaign submitted more valid signatures than any other candidate in the race. I'm grateful for the support of South Dakotans across the state who are ready for new leadership.”

— John Hansen, State Speaker

What’s next

The next key milestone in the 2026 South Dakota gubernatorial race will be the June 2nd primary election, where Hansen and the other qualified candidates will compete to advance to the general election in November.

The takeaway

John Hansen's successful qualification for the 2026 South Dakota gubernatorial race sets the stage for a competitive primary election, as the state's political landscape continues to evolve with new candidates seeking to lead the state.