Takeaways

• Toby Doeden opposes any attempt to repeal HB 1052 and has promised the fastest veto in South Dakota history if a repeal ever reaches his desk as governor.
• On the question of a compromise threshold for eminent domain projects, Doeden is firm: when it comes to God-given constitutional rights, there is no wiggle room and no compromise.
• Doeden believes true economic development in South Dakota doesn't require multi-billion dollar subsidized projects. It comes from supporting local entrepreneurs, small businesses, farmers, and ranchers.

Coming off a first-place finish in the June 2nd Republican primary with 31% of the vote in a four-way race, Toby Doeden sits down with Amanda Radke for a direct, issue-focused conversation on the property rights topics South Dakota landowners care about most.

This is Part 1 of American Land and Legacy's two-part exclusive interview series ahead of the July 28th runoff election, where Doeden will face Interim Governor Larry Rhoden. With thousands of landowners reaching out to Amanda asking who to support, she took the question straight to the candidates themselves.

The conversation covers the full range of property rights issues at stake in this race: the legacy of SB 201 and the overwhelming voter rejection of RL 21, the landmark HB 1052 that eliminated eminent domain for CO2 pipelines, the ongoing debate over data centers and tax exemptions, and how a Doeden administration would respond to federal pressure to expand eminent domain for energy infrastructure.

Doeden is clear on his foundational position: every decision he makes as governor will be rooted in protecting God-given constitutional rights, and he will mirror the will of the people, not the will of lobbyists and big donors. He points to the 59% voter rejection of RL 21 across 65 of 66 counties as proof of where South Dakotans stand, and argues that the legislature's decision to push SB 201 through anyway was a direct failure to represent the people.

He also addresses the economy, rural communities, and what he sees as the real differences between himself and his runoff opponent, including a 38% increase in state spending, rising crime, doubled property taxes, and a sales tax increase coming in 2027.

Key Topics Covered

• The SB 201 / RL 21 Landowner Bill of Rights: what went wrong and how a Doeden administration would honor the will of South Dakota voters
• HB 1052 and eminent domain for CO2 pipelines: Doeden's commitment to protecting and defending this nation-leading legislation
• Whether a compromise threshold for pipeline projects is on the table (short answer: no)
• The data center debate: the 50-year tax exemption attempt versus the Data Center Bill of Rights for Citizens passed by Senator Carr and Speaker Hansen
• President Trump's executive orders expanding eminent domain for energy infrastructure and how Doeden would balance federal direction with South Dakota's states' rights
• What economic development actually looks like for South Dakota, and why it doesn't require big subsidized projects
• The challenges facing rural communities, small farms, and ranches, and who Doeden would bring to the table to address them
• How Doeden's primary results reflect a statewide demand for change, and what he sees as the key differences between his vision and Larry Rhoden's record
• Reuniting the Republican Party after a competitive four-way primary and what that means going into the runoff

https://www.americanlandandlegacy.org/