Rhoden Breaks Fundraising Record in Union Center to Close 2025

Northeast Radio SD News – Union Center, SD - Governor Larry Rhoden concluded the year by setting a historic fundraising record in his hometown. A campaign event held Tuesday night at the Central Meade County Community Center raised over $30,000, marking the largest candidate fundraiser in the history of Union Center.

With a local population of approximately 40 people, the event is believed to be the largest per-capita fundraiser for any town in South Dakota history. To put the figure in perspective, a fundraiser in Sioux Falls would have to generate approximately $150 million to reach a comparable per-capita level.

Local Support and Momentum

The Governor, who has deep roots in the community, expressed gratitude for the local backing as he moves toward the 2026 election cycle.

“I am grateful for this generous support,” Rhoden said. “I’m not independently wealthy, and I haven’t been raising money for years, so every little bit helps. These are the people who know me best, and I appreciate their confidence in me to keep serving as their Governor.”

Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen, a noted historian and author of The Governors of South Dakota, highlighted the rarity of the event’s success. Venhuizen noted that in two decades of studying gubernatorial history, he was unaware of any other town in the state achieving such a high per-capita fundraising total.

Looking Toward 2026

The Rhoden for Governor campaign indicated that the Union Center event caps off a series of strong fundraising results to end 2025. The Governor used the occasion to reflect on the state’s progress over the past year and signal his priorities for the upcoming legislative and campaign season.

“2025 was a great year for South Dakota,” Rhoden said. “In 2026, we will continue to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.”

The campaign expects to build on this momentum as the 2026 election cycle begins in earnest following the New Year.