Full Breakdown
South Dakota Secretary of State Crosses Party Lines to Back Democratic Opponent
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Republican incumbent backs Democrat for successor
South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson, a Republican who has served more than a decade, announced she will endorse Terrence Davis, the Democratic nominee, to succeed her. Johnson made the endorsement after losing the Republican convention to Heather Baxter earlier in the year.
Background & Context
Johnson entered the Secretary of State’s office in 2022, rising from employee to the top post under two previous secretaries. In June, Republican delegates selected Baxter over Johnson at the party convention, a contest Johnson described as a “sore-loser” moment that prompted her to consider the office’s institutional integrity above party loyalty.
Data & Statistics
- The Republican convention vote was reported as 59 % for Baxter and 41 % for Johnson by Ballotpedia.
- A separate report cited the margin as 59 % to 40 %, reflecting a minor discrepancy.
- Johnson’s endorsement comes ahead of the November 2026 general election, in which Davis, Baxter, and Libertarian candidate Tamara Lesnar will compete.
Official Statements & Responses
- Monae Johnson said her decision stems from a belief that the office’s “integrity, stability, and professionalism” are at stake and urged voters to evaluate candidates on record rather than party affiliation.
- Terrence Davis thanked Johnson, noting that their differing party affiliations underscore the endorsement’s significance.
- Tamara Lesnar affirmed Johnson’s right to endorse any candidate.
- Jon Hansen, speaker of the Republican-controlled House, condemned the cross-party endorsement as a breach of party decorum.
Criticism & Opposition
Baxter called Johnson’s move a “pseudo-Republican” betrayal and warned that endorsing a Democrat could jeopardize the office’s direction. House Speaker Hansen echoed this sentiment, suggesting it could embolden further defections.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact vote share Johnson received at the June convention: one lists 59 % to 41 %, another 59 % to 40 %. No additional data clarify which figure is definitive, and neither source provides a detailed breakdown of delegate demographics.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am a Republican. Terrence is a Democrat. I understand that this decision will disappoint some people in my party and anger others,” — State Monae Johnson
- “Secretary Johnson and I come from different political parties, and we will not agree on every issue. That is exactly why her confidence in me means so much,” — Terrence Davis
- “That is why I am asking South Dakotans, Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, independents, and everyone in between, to look beyond the letter beside a candidate’s name, examine the record and temperament of the candidates seeking this responsibility, and vote for Terrence Davis for Secretary of State,” — State Monae Johnson
What’s Next
The three candidates will appear on the ballot in November 2026. Johnson’s endorsement is expected to influence moderate and independent voters, while party leaders continue to rally support for Baxter. The outcome will determine who oversees South Dakota’s election administration, business services, and related statutory responsibilities.
