South Dakota’s sole U.S. House representative, Republican Dusty Johnson, declared on Monday that he plans to run for governor next year, setting up a possible contest against the current governor.
Speaking at a hotel in Sioux Falls, Johnson highlighted the state’s strengths, including its foundation, work ethic, and values, while acknowledging ongoing challenges. He emphasized key priorities such as reducing property taxes, addressing drug addiction, and making college and technical education more affordable.
Johnson has represented South Dakota in Congress since 2019, taking over after Kristi Noem’s departure to become governor. During his time in Washington, he has shown moderate views, backing antitrust measures but opposing the Respect for Marriage Act, which legalized federal recognition of same-sex marriage. By the end of his current term, he will have served eight years in the House.
At times, Johnson broke with much of his party by opposing former President Donald Trump, such as when he voted to override Trump’s veto on revoking the emergency declaration at the southern border. He was also among 35 House Republicans who supported forming a commission to investigate the January 6 Capitol attack.
Acknowledging the challenges of political office, Johnson said, “The U.S. House can be frustrating, but let’s be honest, being governor of South Dakota is going to be frustrating sometimes, too. That’s just the nature of the beast.” He stressed that the state and country face real problems needing attention.
Johnson also mentioned that House Speaker Mike Johnson and former President Trump rely on him to help unify a sometimes unruly Republican caucus.
Now 48, Johnson aims to become the first governor elected since Noem, who used her tenure to build a national profile and bring attention to South Dakota. Noem stepped down in January to take on the role of Secretary of Homeland Security under Trump’s administration. Larry Rhoden, her lieutenant governor, succeeded her.
Johnson faces a potentially competitive Republican primary next June. He will compete against state Representative Jon Hansen, an Aberdeen businessman known for opposing a carbon capture pipeline through landowner activism. Larry Rhoden has not officially announced a gubernatorial bid but remains a potential contender. No Democratic candidates have announced plans to run for governor, a position Republicans have held continuously since 1979.
Rhoden, a rancher and former lieutenant governor under Noem, became governor this January during the legislative session. He has been actively visiting towns and businesses across South Dakota, promoting economic growth, with a scheduled visit to Lemmon on Monday.
Meanwhile, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has declared his intention to run for Johnson’s soon-to-be-vacated congressional seat.
Johnson’s political career began in 2004 when he was elected public utilities commissioner, becoming the youngest person in the nation to hold such a position at 28. He later served as chief of staff to former South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard.
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