Ringrud's main opponent was businessman Andrew E. Lee, who was nominated by a makeshift coalition of Populists, Free Silver Republicans, and Democrats.

In the lead-up to the Republican convention, which took place in Aberdeen on July 8, 1896, several candidates either announced their candidacies for Governor or were seen as likely candidates:[1] former Secretary of State Amund O. Ringsrud, Lieutenant Governor Charles N. Herreid, former State Representative Millard F. Greeley from Deuel County,[2] and F. G. Hale, a member of the South Dakota Board of Regents.

Pettigrew and the Silver Republicans joined forces with the Populist Party at its convention,[6] which started on July 15, 1896, in Huron.

[7] In the months preceding the convention, there was much speculation about whether prominent businessman Andrew E. Lee would be the Populist nominee for Governor,[8] or whether another candidate—like F. M. Goodykoontz[9] or former territorial legislator H. B. Wynn[10]—would replace him.

[6] Populist candidates John Edward Kelley and Freeman Knowles also won both of South Dakota's seats in the concurrent U.S. House election.