Rhoden Campaign Demands Broadcasters Remove Attack Ads on His Legislative Record

South Dakota Governor’s Race Heats Up as Rhoden Campaign Demands Removal of “False” Attack Ads

A heated dispute has erupted in South Dakota’s gubernatorial race after Governor Larry Rhoden’s campaign issued a formal demand to broadcasters to pull advertisements they claim contain misleading information about the governor.

The Rhoden for Governor Campaign released a statement on May 8 asserting that advertisements sponsored by the Rushmore Principles PAC—a group supporting rival gubernatorial candidate Dusty Johnson—contain “categorically false claims.” The campaign’s demand letter argues that these advertisements not only misrepresent facts but may also violate federal broadcast regulations.

This latest development marks an escalation in what has already been a contentious primary race, with both candidates vying to secure the Republican nomination in a state where the GOP primary winner typically holds a significant advantage in the general election.

Political observers note that the battle between Rhoden and Johnson represents a significant internal Republican contest, with both candidates having established political histories in South Dakota. Rhoden currently serves as governor after ascending to the position from his lieutenant governor role, while Johnson has built a reputation as a pragmatic conservative during his time in Congress.

The disputed advertisements appear to focus on Rhoden’s record as governor, though specific details about the alleged false claims were not fully elaborated in the initial press release. The campaign maintains that broadcasters have a responsibility to pull content that contains demonstrably false information.

Under Federal Communications Commission regulations, broadcasters must exercise reasonable care in accepting political advertising, though they have limited ability to refuse or censor political ads from candidates themselves. However, advertisements from political action committees like the Rushmore Principles PAC can be subject to greater scrutiny.

The Rushmore Principles PAC, which supports Johnson’s candidacy, has been an active presence in South Dakota media markets in recent weeks. Political action committees often play significant roles in modern campaigns by running advertising that allows candidates to maintain some distance from particularly aggressive messaging.

Media law experts point out that the threshold for forcing removal of political advertisements is typically high, requiring clear evidence of demonstrably false statements rather than merely disputed interpretations of a candidate’s record.

South Dakota’s gubernatorial primary is scheduled for June, giving both campaigns limited time to make their case to voters. This kind of eleventh-hour dispute over campaign messaging is not uncommon in competitive races, particularly as election day approaches and campaigns intensify their messaging.

The outcome of this demand could influence the tone of the campaign’s final weeks, potentially forcing adjustments in messaging strategy from both sides. It remains to be seen whether broadcasters will comply with the Rhoden campaign’s demands or if this will lead to further legal action.

For South Dakota voters, this dispute highlights the increasingly contentious nature of the race and the high stakes involved as both candidates seek to secure the state’s highest office. Political analysts suggest that how this confrontation resolves could have meaningful implications for both the primary outcome and the broader political landscape in South Dakota.