Rick Knobe: I would still love to be governor — but despite being healthy in mind and body, I’m not running in 2026
“I would love to be governor of South Dakota.”
That is the title of a post I put on Facebook in late August and was published by The South Dakota Standard on Sept. 4. It got more hits and responses than I ever had before.
A short time later, I put up what I called Chapter Two. It acknowledged the positive comments and my change in thinking on the “age” issue. I wrote about exploring my health and other issues dealing with running a statewide campaign as an independent.
I have learned a lot about myself. My brain is good. MRI showed no issues. Had an MRA. Blood vessels flowing to my brain are good.
Took a cognitive test. Don’t know if it was the same as Trump took. I scored 29 out of 30 points. Missed one word. “Daisy.” As soon as I was cued with the word “flower,” I remembered. Too late. Missed one.
A neurologist said he has younger patients not scoring as well. No dementia, No Alzheimer’s.
Just finished one of those invasive tests we are all supposed to get periodically. No cancer.
I had a stent put in my heart a few years back. A recent angiogram showed no need for more.
Bottom line, my body is in good condition for a person my age. I’m glad I took the time and money to be sure.
I am convinced there is a small open window to victory. A well-known and respected moderate independent can win. I believe South Dakotans will rally around such a candidate.
You will recall I wrote about my concerns on the reality of running statewide. As an independent, no built-in party structure to help. Without some structure/organized volunteers, getting nearly 5,000 valid signatures during the winter months is a challenge. A big one.
Raising money as an independent is also not easy.
Being in Sioux Falls has advantages. Almost one-third of the state’s population lives within 30 miles of here. Statewide, being from Sioux Falls is not an advantage.
I figure it will take a minimum $1 million to run. A big chunk of change. At this point I know that at least three of the four Republicans who have announced have that much money either in hand or will be able to get it. Dusty Johnson has $6 million in his campaign warchest — most of it from out of state.
Money doesn’t always win. But it sure helps. When I ran for mayor of Sioux Falls in 1974, I raised $1,400. The incumbent raised almost $14,000. He lost. I won. Ideas and solutions matter.
I researched the age of governors in our country. One is 81, a few in their early to mid 70s, most in the 40-60 range. I will be 80 in December 2026.
So here I sit. Brain good. Body good. I have lots of ideas to lift ALL of us up. Read my first column for some details.
In my younger days I could go 90-plus for hours and days in a row. Those days are gone. Today I can do 60-65, but not for days at a time. You know. Energy. Stamina.
I have run numerous scenarios in my head. I have talked to several of my political junkie friends. A few think I’m crazy for even considering it. Others offered subdued encouragement. I have sought input from my non-political friends.
I heard “Go For It!” often, and the worst, “This will kill you.”
The four Republicans who have announced are all tied to Trump and his minions. I think by next fall that will be a huge negative. As of this writing there is one young Democrat and two indeperial_endents who have announced.
At this point I see more high hurdles than smooth running. I’m concerned about my energy and stamina. You deserve a candidate and a governor who can go fast and long.
I’m not running.
If I was 49, 59, or even 69, I’d do it. I believe I would have had a better than 50-50 chance, especially in this toxic political environment.
I will offer my support to a candidate, regardless of party, that I think can lift all of us up.
I am going to continue writing, continue working with Change Agents of South Dakota, and WeThePeopleSD.org. Both groups are about better government. Check them out on Facebook.
In closing, I am grateful to you for offering support. It means a lot.
I’m sure there is a younger version of me in this state somewhere. Please encourage him or her to step forward.
Godspeed and Merry Christmas!
Rick Knobe is a former mayor of Sioux Falls and a longtime radio talk show host who is now retired but remains active and involved in his community and state as an independent political observer and commentator. His columns appear regularly on The South Dakota Standard.
Photo: Knobe, from Change Agents of South Dakota website
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