US Rep Dusty Johnson officially throws hat in ring to be South Dakota governor

South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson, the state’s lone representative in the House, has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the governorship. Johnson, who currently serves as the chair of the House GOP’s Main Street Caucus and is a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, has been in Congress since 2019. Prior to his congressional career, he held the position of vice president at a South Dakota-based engineering and consulting firm. Additionally, Johnson served as the South Dakota Public Utilities commissioner from 2005 to 2011 and was appointed chief of staff to former Gov. Dennis Daugaard.

The announcement of Johnson’s candidacy for governor was met with little surprise, as rumors had been circulating prior to his official declaration. The announcement was made at a campaign event on Monday and was accompanied by a video shared by Johnson on social media.

In his statement, Johnson expressed gratitude for his time in Congress, highlighting accomplishments such as cutting wasteful spending, supporting border security measures with President Trump, and taking a tough stance on China. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the future of South Dakota and providing a clear path for the next generation.

Following the announcement, some online criticism surfaced regarding Johnson’s support for President Trump, with accusations of being a “never-Trumper.” Johnson refuted these claims, citing his history of support for the former president, including donations to his re-election campaign, endorsements, and campaign chairmanship.

Johnson also addressed his relationship with House Speaker Mike Johnson, highlighting his role in delivering votes for the speaker’s election. He expressed support for the House-passed version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, backed by Trump, and expressed optimism for its passage in the Senate by the GOP’s self-imposed July 4 deadline.

Overall, Johnson’s campaign for governor is underway, with a focus on continuing to serve the people of South Dakota and building a brighter future for the state. His experience in Congress and dedication to key issues make him a strong contender for the governorship.