South Dakota’s Republican gubernatorial primary remains unsettled after Tuesday’s vote, with Gov. Larry Rhoden projected to avoid an outright upset for the moment. Multiple outlets report that Rhoden faces a challenge from Rep. Dusty Johnson, described as a popular figure in the race, as voters choose among a crowded field of GOP contenders. Early results indicate Rhoden holds enough support to survive Johnson’s attempt to overtake him in the primary, but the contest does not appear to conclude with a clear winner. Instead, coverage notes that the gubernatorial race outcome is left “up in the air,” with the GOP primary moving toward a runoff rather than being decided immediately. The reporting reflects that while Rhoden is favored to remain in contention, the margin and overall results are not yet finalized in a way that settles the nomination in the first round. A runoff is expected to determine the GOP nominee following the divided primary electorate and the lack of a conclusive finish among leading candidates.