South Dakota Secretary of State Endorses Democrat Amid GOP Tensions

South Dakota's Republican secretary of state endorses a Democrat, highlighting tensions within the party over election integrity and Trump-aligned policies.

Editorial Desk

September 22, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Sioux Falls, South Dakota — South Dakota’s Republican Secretary of State Monae Johnson has made a surprising move by endorsing a Democratic candidate for her own office, signaling growing tensions within the state’s political landscape.

Johnson, who lost the Republican nomination to Heather Baxter, a Trump-aligned lawmaker, stated that the integrity of the election office is at stake. She chose to support Terrence Davis, a Democrat with law enforcement experience, despite the potential backlash from her own party.

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Baxter, who previously advocated for hand-counted ballots and opposed voting machines, downplayed Johnson’s endorsement, claiming it was not unexpected. The situation highlights the ongoing debate over election procedures and the influence of Trump’s policies in state politics.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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