Johnson trades D.C. for Pierre in run for governor

Yahoo

01-07-2025

Jun. 30—SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — For more than a decade, Dusty Johnson has crisscrossed South Dakota and the country — from Mitchell to Pierre, Washington, D.C. and back — balancing public service with family life and often traveling with a suitcase in hand.
On Monday afternoon, Johnson made it official: he's hoping his next chapter brings him home, as South Dakota's next governor.
"I love South Dakota," Johnson said, standing before a packed crowd at The Canopy Hotel in downtown Sioux Falls. "I believe our next 20 years could be our best — but only if we have real leadership, clear planning, and a commitment to work together."
Johnson's candidacy marks the latest milestone in a career rooted in service. He began as a South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner from 2005 to 2011, later served as chief of staff to then-Governor Dennis Daugaard, and currently holds the state's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Each of those roles has meant constant travel — weekly drives to Pierre, flights to Washington, D.C., and countless miles across South Dakota to meet with constituents. But Johnson said his decision to seek the governorship isn't about convenience or a desire to reduce time on the road.
"This isn't about me being home more," he said. "My family and I are mission-driven — this is about doing the work to make South Dakota stronger."
He addressed the perception that he might be coming home for personal reasons and made clear that wasn't the case.
"I've got really independent kids. I mean, they don't need their hands held," Johnson said, referring to sons Max, Ben, and Owen. "They know we love them and of course we support them, but we're also not parents that are running our kids' lives. We want to make sure they're able to make their own decisions — and they're great boys."
He added that the family views the campaign as a team effort.
"We all love this state, and we all understand how important this race is," he said.
The announcement drew an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, including longtime backers and political allies. Elizabeth Reiss, who first campaigned with Johnson as a student at South Dakota State University, said she was proud to see his journey continue.
"I'm excited for him," Reiss said. "I helped on his campaign when he ran for Public Utilities Commissioner, so I wanted to be here to support him again."
Friends Michele Haahr and Caroline Cutler echoed that support.
"We're huge Dusty supporters," Haahr said. "We want to see him win because we believe he's the leader South Dakota needs."
The event featured introductions from several figures, including state Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt, who opened her remarks with a smile.
"He told me this would be a small, intimate group of friends," she joked, gesturing to the crowd. "But judging by the turnout, either he has a lot of friends, or South Dakota is ready for good leadership."
Rehfeldt continued more seriously: "We need someone who understands both our current challenges and our future direction — someone who chases results, not headlines. Dusty is that leader. And he's a dad who cares deeply about the South Dakota his kids will inherit."
Also attending was state Rep. Keri Weems, of District 11, who praised Johnson's blend of state and federal experience.
"I'm excited to have a governor who has worked inside the governor's office, who understands the state, and who brings valuable federal experience," Weems said. "Dusty can bring those worlds together and make South Dakota even better."
Johnson's three sons — Max, 20; Ben, 17; and Owen, 13 — also took the stage to reflect on their dad's career.
"Six years ago, we helped him get elected to Congress," Max recalled with a grin. "I'm not sure he would've won without our cute TV ads."
The brothers expressed pride in their father's work and optimism for what comes next.
"It's time for him to come home and do big things for South Dakota," said Ben, before introducing his father as "the next governor of South Dakota."
Former Gov. Dennis Daugaard offered his endorsement, recalling Johnson's time as his chief of staff from 2011 to 2014.
"When Dusty speaks, he speaks with purpose. When he listens, he listens with respect. And when he works, he works harder than almost anyone I know — for the people of South Dakota, not for himself," Daugaard said.
He also cited Johnson's role in helping close a $127 million budget shortfall without raising taxes and praised his ability to build consensus.
"He understands the values we all grew up with — faith, family, hard work, and humility," Daugaard said.
Johnson's platform includes responsibly reducing property taxes while maintaining key services like roads, schools, and public safety; strengthening drug interdiction efforts while improving addiction treatment; expanding access to higher education; and growing the state's economy through innovation, energy development, and job creation in industries like dairy and tech.
He emphasized that his leadership style is grounded in experience and a results-first mindset.
"I've bridged divides in Congress — Speaker Johnson and President Trump both leaned on me to bring people together in a rowdy Republican House," he said. "We can bring that same unity and purpose here in South Dakota."
As he wrapped up his remarks, Johnson reflected on a decision he and his wife Jacquelyn made more than two decades ago to raise their family in South Dakota.
"We recognized this is a special place — great people, strong values, a place perfect for our family," he said, citing the state's schools, safety, healthcare, and business environment. "South Dakota isn't perfect, but we have the foundation, work ethic, and values to become even stronger."
He closed with a call to action.
"Let's dream big. Let's build smarter kids, safer communities, stronger families, and better jobs," Johnson said. "Let's win this race so we can build a South Dakota we're proud to hand to our children."