The Oct. 12-14 survey of 500 likely voters by Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy, ranked as one of the least-biased and most-factual pollsters, also found that 51% of independents support Ahlers, while 35% support Rhoden and 14% of independents are undecided.

Ian Fury, Rhoden’s campaign manager, said South Dakotans know the governor very well. He also said Rhoden’s high favorability and job approval ratings from different demographics show that Rhoden has support from people from different walks of life.

“There were only slightly more Democrats who had an unfavorable view of him than a favorable one, which means that even among Democrats, he’s generally well liked,” Fury said.

Fury said that contrasts with national politics of today, where it’s “not necessarily a great year to be a Republican on the ballot.”

Other findings from the poll:

• Fifty percent of South Dakotans have a favorable view of Rhoden.
• A majority of South Dakotans approve of his performance as governor.(65% approve 23% disapprove 12% undecided)
• For the most part, voters are sticking with their party.

In the poll:

Democrats voting 84% for Ahlers, 9% Rhoden 7% undecided

Republicans voting 88% for Rhoden 6% Ahlers 6% undecided

Independents voting 51% Ahlers 35% Rhoden 14% undecided