Outgoing South Dakota Secretary Endorses Democrat
Outgoing South Dakota Secretary Endorses Democrat
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Key Points
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Johnson lost the Republican nomination to Baxter by roughly a 59%-to-40% margin at the party convention, a defeat that preceded her endorsement of Davis.
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Davis said Johnson’s endorsement was especially meaningful because they belong to different parties and do not agree on every issue: “That is exactly why her confidence in me means so much.”
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Johnson first took office in 2022 on an election-integrity platform that included hand-counting ballots and stricter election audits; one report says she has since moved away from some of those policies during her four years overseeing the state’s election and business systems.
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Baxter has presented herself as a supporter of President Donald Trump’s efforts to reform U.S. elections, while Political Wire described her as a state Freedom Caucus member who wants all ballots hand-counted.
South Dakota's Republican Secretary of State Monae Johnson endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis to succeed her, breaking with her party after losing the GOP nomination. Johnson said Davis is best prepared to lead the office with "seriousness, steadiness and integrity," urging voters to look beyond party lines NBC News. Her endorsement marks a rare moment of cross-party unity in a race about election oversight.
Johnson lost her party's nomination to Republican Heather Baxter by roughly 59% to 40% at the state convention. Baxter backs stricter election procedures and positions herself as aligned with President Donald Trump's election reform efforts Winnipeg Free Press. House Speaker Jon Hansen condemned Johnson's endorsement and urged voters to support Baxter.
A Secretary at Odds With Her Party's Direction
Johnson won office in 2022 on a platform of strict election integrity—including hand-counting ballots and tougher audits. But she has shifted away from some of those policies during her four years managing South Dakota's elections and business systems. The convention loss to Baxter, who embraces Johnson's original positions more fully, highlighted this disconnect.
Davis Emphasizes the Rare Bipartisan Moment
Davis called Johnson's endorsement especially meaningful because they belong to different parties and disagree on many issues. "That is exactly why her confidence in me means so much," Davis said Newsday. The Democrat framed the endorsement as proof he can run the office fairly and competently, regardless of party affiliation.
Baxter Doubles Down on Trump-Style Election Reform
Baxter has presented herself as a champion of President Trump's election reform agenda. Political Wire reported she is a member of the state Freedom Caucus and wants all ballots hand-counted. She argues her Republican identity reflects the governing philosophy voters should choose for an office overseeing elections and state business services.
Republican Leadership Rejects the Cross-Party Endorsement
House Speaker Jon Hansen condemned Johnson's move and urged South Dakota voters to support Baxter. The backlash reflects deeper tensions within the GOP over election procedures and loyalty. Johnson's willingness to endorse across party lines signals deep concerns about the direction her party is taking the office she now holds.
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