As the primary election in South Dakota quickly approaches, candidates running for various state and local offices have ramped up their campaigns in an effort to gain support from voters. With just a few weeks left until election day, the political landscape in the state is heating up, with candidates crisscrossing the state, attending debates, and engaging with voters on key issues.One of the most closely watched races in the state is the gubernatorial race, where incumbent Governor Kristi Noem is facing a tough challenge from a number of contenders within her own party. Noem, who has been in office since 2019, is seeking re-election for a second term. However, she faces criticism from some within her party for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and her conservative policies on issues such as abortion and gun rights.Among the Republican challengers to Governor Noem are State Senator Lora Hubbel and former State Senator Neal Tapio. Both Hubbel and Tapio have criticized Noem's leadership and have pledged to take a more hardline stance on conservative issues if elected. A recent poll conducted by the South Dakota Argus Leader showed a tight race between Noem and her primary challengers, with Hubbel and Tapio gaining ground in recent weeks.On the Democratic side, former State Senator Billie Sutton has emerged as the frontrunner in the race for governor. Sutton, who narrowly lost to Noem in the 2022 gubernatorial election, has focused his campaign on issues such as healthcare, education, and economic development. Sutton's moderate approach has garnered support from a wide range of voters across the state.In addition to the gubernatorial race, there are several other key races to watch in South Dakota, including contests for state legislature, attorney general, and various county offices. Candidates from both parties are working hard to connect with voters and make their case for why they should be elected.With early voting already underway and the primary election scheduled for March 2nd, the candidates have a limited amount of time left to make their final push for support. As the campaign season enters its final stretch, all eyes will be on South Dakota to see how the political landscape will unfold in the coming weeks.