Blue wave battered GOP strongholds across America, but one red state held the line

South Dakota remained a strong Republican holdout in an election when Democrats made gains across the country. Governor Larry Rhoden won with almost the same vote share Donald Trump received in the state in 2024, while Republicans kept control of the legislature and other statewide offices.

Rhoden received about 63.5% of the vote, compared with Democrat Dan Ahlers’ 36.5%. Democrats gained four legislative seats, their first such gains in the state since 2008, all in the Sioux Falls area. Republican leaders cited affordability measures and economic conditions; unemployment was around 2%, while average wages rose about 4% in 2025. Republican Senator Mike Rounds won 60.5%, and Attorney General Marty Jackley took the state’s at-large House seat with about 64%.