SIOUX FALLS, SD - Senator Billie Sutton’s campaign for South Dakota Governor today released an update on the state of the race showing Sutton in a strong position with just two months until election day:
Historic Fundraising Success:
Sutton has already raised more than any previous Democratic candidate for South Dakota governor and has raised more per day since entering the race than his general election opponent as of the last reporting period.
In line with the grassroots nature of Sutton’s campaign, 4 in 5 contributions are $100 or less with the most common donation being $25, and more than 90% of funds raised are from in-state.
Statistical Dead-Heat:
Polling shows the race for governor is a statistical dead heat with Sutton within the margin of error of his opponent and up 9 points from the last poll in October 2017.
Polling also shows Sutton’s major crossover appeal with more than 1 in 5 Republicans and more than half of independents supporting Sutton.
Additionally, data showed that the more voters learn about Sutton, the more they’re inclined to support him. The same was not true for his opponent.
First on the Airwaves:
Sutton was the first candidate to debut a TV ad in the general election, and the ad has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback, reaching over 125k people organically on social media alone.
National Election Rating Upgrades:
National election forecasters Inside Elections, Roll Call, Daily Kos, and Sabato have all upgraded Sutton’s odds of winning South Dakota’s governor’s race.
Enthusiasm Advantage:
The campaign’s volunteer numbers have more than doubled in the past few months alone.
The campaign has incredible social media engagement, with each Facebook post engaging as many people as Noem’s page engages in an entire week.
Thousands of yard signs have gone up this week across the state, and volunteers have made thousands of calls to South Dakota voters.
Plans for a Stronger South Dakota:
Sutton has released detailed plans for a stronger South Dakota in recent months and has more plan on the way: Restoring Trust and Integrity, Building a Stronger South Dakota Economy, Education for the Next Generation, and Planting Seeds for Growth.
Sutton said, “I am constantly humbled by the support we’re seeing in this election! People are ready to get back to our shared values of honesty, integrity, and hard work, and I’m ready to reach across the aisle and fight for everyone as governor!”
Billie Sutton is a rancher, financial professional at a small community bank, State Senator, former professional rodeo cowboy, fifth-generation South Dakotan, and candidate for Governor.
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