Meet The 20-Year-Old South Dakota Resident Running for Governor

We're halfway through 2025, and the upcoming 2026 South Dakota governor race is heating up.

At the time of this post, South Dakota US Congressman Dusty Johnson, local businessman Toby Doeden, and South Dakota House Speaker Jon Hansen have officially entered the South Dakota governor's race. And if you haven't heard, there's also a young student at Dakota State University making a run for South Dakota's highest political office.

Get our free mobile app

20-year-old Pierre resident Robert Arnold is eyeing the Governor's office. Our news partners at Dakota News Now have the latest details about South Dakota's potential candidate. Robert recently served as a legislative intern during the 2025 session.

Who is Robert Arnold of South Dakota?

Robert Arnold is an Oglala Lakota and enrolled with the Pine Ridge Reservation. A win in the South Dakota Governor Race would make him the first Native American Governor in the state's history. That's not all the history Robert could be making. According to Dakota News Now, if he can collect 1,231 signatures needed to qualify for the ballot, Robert would be the youngest candidate for Governor in U.S. history.

READ MORE: It’s True-Vice Pres. JD Vance Made A Surprise South Dakota Trip

Robert Arnold intends to run on the Democratic ticket.

What is Robert Arnold's plan if he becomes the next South Dakota Governor?

Robert already has a website that highlights his plan. Roberts explains to voters that he will "serve everyday working class South Dakotans and not wealthy special interest groups by seriously addressing the affordability crisis gripping our state."

You can learn more about aspiring South Dakota politician Robert Arnold here.

By the way, there are 468 days until the South Dakota General Election, which is scheduled for November 3rd, 2026. One more fun fact: South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has yet to announce his plans for the 2026 Election.