The latest episode of Dakota Town Hall focused heavily on upcoming runoff elections in Sioux Falls and the continued fallout from South Dakota’s Republican gubernatorial primary. Guests included MarketBeat founder Matt Paulson and District 15 Rep. Eric Muckey.

Hosts Murdoc and Jake Schoenbeck opened the discussion by noting that Sioux Falls voters will return to the polls June 23 for a mayoral runoff and three city council runoff races.

Paulson outlined the mayoral contest between Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith, describing them as “two very decent candidates.” He said turnout will likely determine the outcome and noted that Erickson finished roughly nine points ahead in the initial vote.

The panel debated whether Sioux Falls’ officially nonpartisan elections have effectively become partisan contests. Schoenbeck argued, “Can we just stop with this calling things nonpartisan anymore? That is the most BS line in the world.” Muckey countered that while party affiliations are widely known, voters often focus on candidates rather than labels.

Turnout was a recurring theme throughout the conversation. Muckey said the runoff is likely to come down to which side can motivate its base, calling it “a turnout game.” He added that the race is “probably closer to a 50-50 split” than many observers assume.

The discussion then shifted to the Republican gubernatorial runoff between Larry Rhoden and Toby Doeden. Murdoc expressed surprise at Doeden’s strong showing in the primary and questioned how voters moved away from U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson despite his well-funded campaign organization. Paulson argued that negative advertising against Johnson “absolutely worked,” while Muckey said voters were also reacting to broader concerns about political spending and Washington influence.

The episode closed with discussion of party conventions, upcoming statewide races and the evolving role of political media in South Dakota.