South Dakota GOP Secretary of State Endorses Democrat in Election Dispute
Monae Johnson, the Republican Secretary of State of South Dakota, surprised the GOP by endorsing Democrat Terrence Davis for the upcoming election after losing the party’s nomination to Heather Baxter. Johnson cited Davis’s law‑enforcement background and commitment to impartiality as reasons for he…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a move that has stunned South Dakota’s Republican establishment, Monae Johnson, the state’s incumbent Secretary of State, publicly endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis for the upcoming election. Johnson’s decision came after she was defeated by state lawmaker Heather Baxter at the Republican convention in June, a loss that marked a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
Who Is Monae Johnson?
Johnson has served as South Dakota’s Secretary of State since 2019, a role that places her at the center of voter registration, election oversight, and the management of public records. Her tenure has been marked by both praise for her administrative competence and criticism for her handling of sensitive voter data. In 2022, she faced backlash after her office mistakenly released information linking certain voters to government assistance programs, a mistake she later apologized for.
Heather Baxter’s Rise and Trump‑Aligned Platform
Baxter, a state representative, campaigned on a platform that echoed former President Donald Trump’s concerns about election security. She highlighted issues such as “inaccurate voter rolls,” the use of mail‑in ballots, and the reliability of voting machines. Baxter’s website once advocated for the elimination of automated ballot tabulation in favor of hand‑counted paper ballots, a stance that aligns with broader election‑skeptic movements. She also introduced legislation aimed at banning electronic tabulating systems, though the measure did not pass.
Johnson’s Surprising Endorsement
After losing the GOP nomination, Johnson issued a statement that surprised many in her party. She wrote, “I am a Republican. Terrence is a Democrat. I understand that this decision will disappoint some people in my party and anger others.” Johnson cited Davis’s background as a former state trooper and his academic training in law and policy as key reasons for her endorsement. She emphasized the need for the Secretary of State’s office to remain impartial and serve all residents “honestly and fairly.”
Johnson’s endorsement is not merely a personal preference; it signals a broader concern about the integrity and professionalism of the state’s election administration. By choosing a candidate from the opposite party, she underscored her belief that the office should transcend partisan politics, especially in a state where Democrats have not held statewide office since 2015.
Reactions from the Republican Party
Heather Baxter dismissed the endorsement as unremarkable, stating, “It’s not surprising that she’d rather back someone who won’t change what she has done.” The South Dakota Republican Party’s chairman, Jim Eschenbaum, highlighted Johnson’s earlier controversies, noting that she had missed a legislative committee hearing concerning a contract with an electronic poll book vendor, a lapse that led to a subpoena. Eschenbaum’s comments suggest that Johnson’s endorsement may further alienate her from party leadership.
Implications for South Dakota Politics
South Dakota has consistently supported Donald Trump in the last three presidential elections, and the state’s political climate is heavily influenced by his legacy. Baxter’s campaign, which aligns closely with Trump’s stance on election integrity, reflects a broader trend of Republican candidates in the state adopting similar positions. Johnson’s endorsement of a Democrat, therefore, could signal a shift in how election oversight is perceived and may influence future candidates to prioritize nonpartisanship over party loyalty.
The outcome of this endorsement remains uncertain. While it may not sway the general electorate, it could affect the dynamics within the Republican Party, potentially prompting a reevaluation of the criteria used to select candidates for statewide offices.
What Happens Next?
As the election approaches, both Johnson and Davis will likely focus on their respective campaigns. Johnson’s office has stated that she will not comment further beyond her written statement, leaving the political ramifications to unfold. The state’s voters will have to decide whether they value party alignment or the perceived impartiality of their election officials.
For now, the endorsement stands as a reminder that even in strongly partisan states, individual officials can make decisions that challenge party expectations, especially when the stakes involve the integrity of the democratic process.
Key facts
- Monae Johnson, a Republican, endorses Democrat Terrence Davis after losing GOP nomination
- Heather Baxter’s platform aligns with Trump’s election integrity concerns
- Johnson cites Davis’s law‑enforcement background and impartiality as reasons
- Republican leadership dismisses the endorsement as unremarkable
- South Dakota has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since 2015
- The endorsement may influence future candidate selection and public trust in elections
Why it matters
Johnson’s endorsement highlights a growing tension between partisan loyalty and the perceived need for impartial election oversight, a debate that could reshape how voters view the credibility of state election officials.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Monae Johnson endorse a Democrat?
Johnson cited Terrence Davis’s background as a former state trooper and his commitment to impartiality, arguing that the Secretary of State’s office should serve all residents honestly and fairly.
What was Heather Baxter’s platform?
Baxter campaigned on concerns about inaccurate voter rolls, mail‑in ballots, and voting machine reliability, aligning closely with former President Donald Trump’s election integrity stance.
How did the Republican Party react?
Party leaders, including chairman Jim Eschenbaum, criticized Johnson’s endorsement and highlighted her earlier controversies, suggesting a potential rift within the GOP.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Outraged South Dakota GOP official breaks ranks to stop Trump-backed election skeptic”
