South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson, who lost her party's nomination for re-election, has endorsed Democratic candidate Joe Davis. Johnson stated Davis is the best candidate to protect the office, despite their differing political parties.
The endorsement highlights internal party divisions and challenges traditional party-line voting in a race for a crucial election administration role.
South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson, after losing her bid for Republican re-nomination, has endorsed the Democratic candidate for the office, Joe Davis. Johnson stated that Davis is the candidate best prepared to serve South Dakota with "seriousness, steadiness, and integrity," urging voters to look beyond party affiliation.
Johnson's endorsement comes after Republican delegates nominated Heather Baxter over her at the party convention, with Baxter securing 59 percent of the vote to Johnson's 41 percent. Baxter, campaigning on reforms to U.S. elections and post-election audits, stated that party affiliation is a key indicator of governing philosophy.
Davis thanked Johnson for her confidence, acknowledging their differing political parties but emphasizing the significance of her support. However, Johnson's move was met with swift condemnation from Republican House Speaker Jon Hansen, who urged voters not to hand elections over to Democrats and to vote for Baxter.