Longtime state politician Tim Johnson died Tuesday at the age of 77, according to a family spokesperson.
Johnson, a Democrat, served nearly a decade in the South Dakota State Legislature before winning a seat in the U.S. House in 1987.
After 10 years as the lone Representative for the state of South Dakota, he won a seat and served three terms in the U.S. Senate. He ran in 12 general elections and never lost. He was one of the last Democrats to hold statewide or congressional office in South Dakota. His last election win was in 2008.
“It's hard to imagine someone living a life more meaningful and impactful than Tim's--and, in the end, impact and meaning are the best that any of us can hope to achieve," said Drey Samuelson, Johnson's chief of staff. "Tim succeeded in reaching those goals way beyond what I'm sure were his wildest dreams when he was a young man. But that success obviously doesn't make saying goodbye to him any easier, I know, and there's nothing that anyone can say that will help that, much as I wish otherwise.”
Johnson was first elected to the US Senate in 1996, after winning a contested election against Republican Sen Larry Pressler.
“It is a sad day in South Dakota for losing one of its great statesmen and leaders, Senator Tim Johnson. His ethics and common sense served our state well," said Pressler in a statement. "Although we differed politically and competed often, I never questioned his character, his fundamental decency and true desire for the higher callings of public service. In the end, and most importantly, he was my friend. I shall miss him.”
In 2002, Johnson was challenged by now-US Senator John Thune. Johnson won by just 524 votes.
“Kimberley and I join all South Dakotans in mourning the loss of former Senator Tim Johnson,” said US Sen. John Thune, who lost to Johnson in 2002. “Known for his tenacity and work ethic, Tim was a steadfast leader who dedicated his life to serving the people of South Dakota with integrity and compassion. He fought tirelessly for rural America and leaves a legacy that will have a lasting impact for years to come. We are praying for Barbara and their entire family and know that Tim’s remarkable life will continue to inspire future generations.”
Thune and Johnson were integral in ensuring the survival of the Ellsworth Airforce Base in Box Elder, which faced closure in 2005.
Johnson served as chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Development. He was a champion for water projects that bring drinking water to thousands of residents in South Dakota—including Mni Wiconi, Lewis and Clark and Mid Dakota Rural Water.
In 2006, Johnson suffered a brain hemorrhage. Months later he would return to the Senate.
In 2014, Johnson announced he would not seek re-election to the US Senate. In his farewell address, Johnson lamented the focus on fundraising and lack of cooperation between parties.
"Mr. President, we have lost our way."
Senator Mike Rounds, who won Johnson’s senate seat, said on X “his love for South Dakota was undeniable.”
Gov. Kristi Noem said in a statement that she “appreciated that his heart was for the people of South Dakota”
Noem ordered flags to be at half-staff statewide until the former senator’s burial, which has yet to be announced.