PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has rolled to a win in South Dakota’s first runoff election in state history.

Rhoden’s commanding lead started early and he did not lose it. As of 9:12 p.m., just over an an hour after the AP called the race, Rhoden had 72% of the 76,303 counted votes. He had 54,598 votes to 21,705 for Doeden.

Doeden said in his concession speech at 9 p.m. that he called Rhoden and said he would support him in the November general election. “He will have my full support…,” Doeden said.

This is the first runoff in state history since the 35% requirement for the primary election was approved by the legislature in 1985. Neither Doeden, Rhoden or candidates U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and state Rep. Jon Hansen received 35% of the vote in the June 2 primary. Rhoden and Doeden were the top two finishers so they advanced to the runoff.

Rhoden will now face Democrat Dan Ahlers in the November election.