The Governor’s race is beginning to heat up as another person announces a bid for the state’s highest seat: Rep. Dusty Johnson.
Johnson said he believes he’s the right person to create a positive future for South Dakota.
“I love this state. I think the next 20 years of our state could be the best that we’ve ever had, but that’s not inevitable," Johnson said. "And if we’re going to seize that future, we need to have a real plan, we need to have real leadership. And I’m excited to be the guy to pull together that plan and pull together that team.”
The 48-year-old lawmaker from Pierre began his career in politics as a Public Utilities Commissioner in 2004. He served in the PUC until his appointment as Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s Chief of Staff. He served there until 2014.
After a brief stint in the private sector, Johnson was elected to South Dakota’s lone House of Representatives seat in 2018. He’s held that position since. Now, Johnson says he’s preparing a return to state politics.
“And so that’s why today I’m announcing my campaign for governor of South Dakota so we can build that future together,” Johnson said in a press conference Monday.
In March, Johnson was named the most effective House member on Native American issues by the Center of Effective Lawmaking. Johnson has also been touted as a Congressman who works across the aisle with others by The Hill.
However, some have criticized Johnson for recent moves, saying he is trying wanted to win President Trump’s favor.
Johnson said he believes those criticisms are unfair, and that he’s looking out for the country.
“I work with anyone to do good. And the reality is if we are going to have successes in America, we we’re going to need Donald Trump to be successful,” Johnson said. “I know there are a lot of people rooting against him. I’m not one of them, because I love America.”
Johnson’s speech focused heavily on a few key campaign points. He said he plans to focus on lowering property taxes, reducing drugs, emphasizing rehabilitation in the prison system, lowering costs of colleges and tech schools and growing the economy through small businesses.
Another area Johnson said he’d like to improve is energy. However, he said he doesn’t think a carbon pipeline is a necessity to seeing growth.
“Biofuels are going to be a key part of that, and I really do believe we can have a robust biofuels future in this state without the carbon pipeline,” Johnson said. “I think the Legislature, the governor have spoken. We are not going to have eminent domain for a carbon pipeline, so I think we need to find other ways to expand this energy industry.”
Overall, Johnson said he believes he’s the person for the job.
“With a real plan and real leadership, we absolutely can make this happen,” Johnson said.
At Monday's announcement, former Gov. Daugaard threw his support behind Dusty Johnson.
Johnson is challenged by State Speaker of the House Jon Hansen and Aberdeen Businessman Toby Doeden. Nineteen-year-old Democrat Robert Arnold has also announced a bid but is considered a longshot. A Republican has occupied South Dakota’s governor seat since 1979.
Incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden has long been rumored to run for the seat. In a statement to SDPB, Rhoden said “Campaigns are too long and too expensive. I’m honored to do the job of Governor and am focused on that work – including wrapping up the fiscal year with another balanced budget, executing my property tax relief bill into law, and supporting storm cleanup near Kadoka and other parts of the state.
"I have received a lot of encouragement to keep doing the work of Governor. Sandy and I are praying about our decision, but we have nothing to announce at this time.”
Financially, Johnson’s campaign is far outpacing his opponents. As of the end of March, he has over $6 million in cash on hand across multiple funding sources.
The Republican primary election is about 11 months away, set for June 2, 2026. The winner of that primary, along with their Lt. Governor pick, will head to the general election next November.
As for Johnson’s seat in the US House of Representatives, Attorney General Marty Jackley has announced his intent to run for it.
State Sen. Casey Crabtree from Madison is also said to be eyeing the spot. In a statement, Crabtree said he is “strongly considering this opportunity and we will look at this as a family through prayer and serious conversations. It has been an honor serving South Dakota in the State Senate, and I am thankful for the words of support and encouragement to serve our great state in Congress.”
