Dusty Johnson running for South Dakota governor
Rep. Dusty Johnson, a Republican from South Dakota, announced on Monday that he is running for governor in the 2026 election. During his campaign kickoff in Sioux Falls,he expressed the need for “a new chapter” for the state. Johnson highlighted his tenure in Congress,where he focused on securing the southern border,reducing goverment spending,and addressing issues related to the Chinese Communist Party. He emphasized his vision for a brighter future in South Dakota, aiming to improve schools, enhance community safety, and foster economic growth through conservative governance. As he runs for governor, Johnson will not seek reelection for his current congressional seat. Notably, South Dakota attorney General Marty Jackley is reportedly considering a bid for Johnson’s House seat, which is seen as solidly Republican. Johnson is among a group of House Republicans contemplating gubernatorial runs in their respective states.
Dusty Johnson running for South Dakota governor
Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) announced Monday afternoon that he is running for governor of South Dakota in 2026.
Johnson announced his candidacy for the governor’s mansion in Sioux Falls, stating it is time for a “new chapter.”
“It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve South Dakota in Congress and to have the opportunity to help secure the southern border, cut trillions in wasteful government spending, and reclaim the fight against the Chinese Communist Party,” Johnson said in a statement.
“But it’s time for a new chapter — a chapter that drives South Dakota to a brighter future where we build better schools and safer communities, a chapter that governs with conservative principles to create new jobs, new businesses, and new opportunities in every community, and a chapter where being a workhorse, not a show horse, still means something,” he added.
Johnson, who is chairman of the Main Street Caucus, will forgo reelection for another term in South Dakota’s at-large congressional district in the 2026 midterm elections.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is seriously considering a bid for the House seat, which is rated “solid Republican” by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. The last time a Democrat held the seat was in 2011.
SOUTH DAKOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL SETS SIGHTS ON SOLE HOUSE SEAT HELD BY DUSTY JOHNSON
Johnson joins five other House Republicans running for governor of their home states: Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA), John James (R-MI), John Rose (R-TN), Byron Donalds (R-FL), and Andy Biggs (R-AZ). Other Republicans, including Reps. Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Ralph Norman (R-SC), are also speculated to be announcing a bid for governor.
The House has thin margins, with Democrats only needing a net gain of three seats to take back the majority and break up the GOP trifecta.
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