Secretary of State Monae Johnson Endorsed Democrat

South Dakota's incumbent official backed Terrence Davis following her loss in the Republican nomination race.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a steel ballot container, evoking formal election administration and institutional political shifts. — South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson has endorsed Democratic nominee Terrence Davis in his bid for her seat, citing concerns over election integrity. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should election officials endorse candidates from opposing parties if they believe it protects office integrity?

South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson has endorsed Democratic nominee Terrence Davis for her seat. Johnson, who lost the Republican nomination to Heather Baxter in June, cited concerns over the office's integrity and stability.

Why it matters

The endorsement crosses party lines and highlights internal tensions within the South Dakota Republican Party. Johnson noted that her decision was driven by a need to prioritize security, voter rights, and evidence-based decision-making in the state's election administration.

South Dakota has not elected a Democratic secretary of state since 1979, marking a 47-year gap for the party. Terrence Davis, if successful, would become the first Black official to win statewide office in the state.

The players

Monae Johnson

She is the current secretary of state for South Dakota who lost her party's nomination in June 2026.

Terrence Davis

A former state trooper, he is the Democratic nominee for South Dakota secretary of state.

Heather Baxter

She is a Republican state representative who won her party's nomination for secretary of state.

Tamara Lesnar

She is the Libertarian party nominee for the South Dakota secretary of state office.

The details

Monae Johnson announced her support for Terrence Davis, a former state trooper, in a written statement shared on a political blog. The secretary of state position is responsible for overseeing statewide elections, campaign finance, and business filings, with current mandates requiring voter identification, paper ballots, and proof of citizenship.

Lorna Herseth left office as the last Democratic secretary in 1979.
Heather Baxter secured the Republican nomination in June 2026.
Monae Johnson publicly endorsed Terrence Davis on September 19, 2026.
The deadline for voter registration is October 19, 2026.
The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Political Context

Opponents have criticized the crossover endorsement, with Republican supporters arguing that the party nomination process should be respected. Critics of the current Republican direction emphasize that the party leadership has moved away from the moderate principles previously associated with the seat.

The secretary of state's office directly regulates the requirements for voter identification and proof of citizenship for all South Dakota residents. Changes to the office's leadership may influence how these election protocols are enforced during future cycles.

The takeaway

Voters should be aware that the secretary of state manages essential aspects of the democratic process, including business filings and campaign finance. Understanding the professional backgrounds of candidates like Terrence Davis and Heather Baxter can help citizens assess their priorities for election security.