South Dakota Republican Secretary of State Endorses Democratic Challenger
South Dakota's Republican Secretary of State, Monae Johnson, has endorsed the Democratic candidate Terrence Davis in the race to succeed her. Johnson stated her decision was driven by concerns for the integrity, stability, and professionalism of the office, contrasting with…

Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, September 22, 2026 —
Pierre, SD – In a notable political development, South Dakota’s Republican Secretary of State, Monae Johnson, has publicly endorsed the Democratic candidate Terrence Davis in the upcoming election for her successor. This decision marks a departure from traditional party lines and comes amid concerns Johnson has raised regarding the future leadership of the office.
Johnson cited specific reasons for her endorsement, stating that her choice was driven by concerns for the integrity, stability, and professionalism of the Secretary of State’s office. She contrasted her decision with the platform of the Republican nominee, whose views she stated align with conspiracy theories concerning election integrity.
The specific Republican nominee was not named in the provided summary, nor were further details about the specific conspiracy theories mentioned. The timeline for the election or the exact nature of Johnson’s concerns beyond general principles were also not detailed in the summary.
The office of the Secretary of State in South Dakota is responsible for a range of duties, including overseeing elections, managing business filings, and maintaining state records. The integrity and stability of this office are frequently highlighted as critical components of state governance and public trust.
Johnson’s endorsement of a candidate from the opposing party is unusual and underscores the gravity of the concerns she has articulated about the direction of the office under the presumptive Republican nominee. Her statement suggests a belief that the Democratic candidate, Terrence Davis, is better positioned to uphold the standards she deems essential.
Further details regarding the platforms of both Terrence Davis and the unnamed Republican nominee were not provided in the summary, nor were any specific details on how the Republican nominee’s platform aligns with conspiracy theories about election integrity.
The impact of this endorsement on the upcoming election and the broader political landscape in South Dakota remains to be seen. The race to succeed Monae Johnson as Secretary of State will likely draw increased attention following this high-profile endorsement.
Story summarized from the original created by By Sarah Raza, AP on www.minnpost.com, see more information here.
