Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
28.6%
27.1%
18.4%
13.1%
Republican
Dusty Johnson
Republican candidate for Governor in South Dakota
South Dakota Republican Governor nominee?
$1.8M
JUL 29, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — South Dakota Republican Governor nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0.1%chance to win
$1.8MJUL 29, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleU.S. Representative
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyModerate Republican
Age49 years old (Sep 30, 1976)
GenderMale
Show moreShow less
LocationSouth Dakota
BackgroundU.S. Representative
EducationB.A., University of South Dakota (1999)
Notable personal detailsDustin Michael “Dusty” Johnson (born September 30, 1976) is an American politician who has served as the U.S. representative for South Dakota’s at-large congressional district since January 3, 2019. Before Congress, he served on the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (2004–2011) and as chief of staff to Governor Dennis Daugaard (2011–2014). He has also worked as a telecommunications business executive, including as a vice president at Vantage Point Solutions. He lives in Mitchell, South Dakota with his wife and their three sons.
SourcesShowHide
history.house.govdustyjohnson.house.govdustyjohnson.comen.wikipedia.orgdustyforcolorado.comivoterguide.comsouthdakotasearchlight.comdakotanewsnow.comthewellnews.comcbsnews.comsdpb.orgdakotawarcollege.comrapidcityjournal.comsdnewswatch.orgapnews.comkotatv.comnrapvf.orgrollcall.comnewsweek.comaberdeeninsider.comkeloland.comdakotabroadcasting.comargusleader.comthedakotascout.comthehill.comyankton.nettime.comfacebook.comballotpedia.orgclerk.house.govcongress.govcha.house.govcdn.ballotpedia.orgde.wikipedia.orgstatic.votesmart.orglegislation.ballotpedia.orgoversight.house.govdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgwikidata.orgjustfacts.votesmart.orgcommons.wikimedia.orgupload.wikimedia.orggovinfo.govziplook.house.govfec.gov
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports tax relief and lower taxes for homeowners and businesses, favors extending current federal tax rates and reducing federal spending through targeted cuts. Proposes state-level property tax credits and temporary tax holidays for first-time homebuyers while advocating for balanced budgets and spending reductions.
Healthcare
Supports market-oriented changes to lower costs and is a critic of the Affordable Care Act; has defended Republican budget plans that include reducing federal spending on health programs such as Medicaid.
Show moreShow less
Immigration & Border
Supports stronger border security and enforcement measures (including backing H.R.2 and border funding/operations) while also expressing interest in changes to legal immigration processes for high-skilled/students. Emphasizes not rewarding illegal entry over those who follow legal immigration channels.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate describes himself as pro-life, saying the unborn deserve protection and that life begins at conception; he has supported federal measures restricting abortion access such as a 15-week ban with exceptions and has voted for legislation limiting federal funding for abortion. He has received high ratings from pro-life advocacy groups and opposed measures expanding abortion access.
Climate & Energy
Supports expansion of domestic biofuels and policies that boost American energy production while opposing re-entry or binding commitments to international climate agreements and some broad regulatory approaches. Emphasizes market-based and agricultural-focused solutions (e.g., Renewable Fuel Standard reforms and E15 expansion) rather than aggressive emissions-target legislation. Has opposed specific federal climate actions he viewed as improper mechanisms for rejoining the Paris Agreement.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate supports broad Second Amendment rights and has sponsored legislation to expand lawful firearm access for tribal members. He has said he is not in favor of banning assault weapons and has opposed red flag-style firearm seizure measures and other major new federal gun restrictions. His record and endorsements indicate alignment with pro-gun-rights positions and organizations.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 29, 2026
Dusty Johnson was eliminated from South Dakota’s Republican governor race after finishing third in the June primary, which failed to produce a nominee because no candidate cleared the 35% threshold. Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden advanced to the state’s first-ever gubernatorial runoff, set for July 28, and the winner will face Democrat Dan Ahlers in November. Earlier coverage showed Johnson leading the field in polls and sparring with Rhoden over claims about campaign pressure and attack ads.
history.house.gov+44
Articles
SFSioux Falls Argus Leader3 months ago
What South Dakota governor candidates say about education policy
Neutral
SFSioux Falls Argus Leader4 months ago
Rhoden: Johnson threatened me not to enter governor's race
Neutral
ANAberdeen News4 months ago
Dusty Johnson widens lead in South Dakota governor race
Positive
ANAberdeen News5 months ago
'Dusty Johnson leads SD governor poll, Toby Doeden of Aberdeen 2nd
Positive
Latest Polls
South Dakota Republican Governor nominee?
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Dusty Johnson currently averages 28.6%, ranking first in this race, 1.5 points ahead of the nearest opponent.
Polling average: 28.6%Position: firstMargin: +1.5 ptsLatest poll: 26.4% (May 26 - 27)Polls included: 10
Average recalculated from polls through May 26 - 27.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
2South Dakota Republican Governor nominee?
Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
Total raisedCash on hand
$5.2M
$3.9M
$2.6M
$1.3M
$0
2022
2024
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2022
$2.6M
$2.3M
$1.3M
$54.9K
Cycle 2024
$4.4M
$5.2M
$1.5M
$60.6K
Cycle 2026
$1.7M
$1.4M
$5.5M
$308.2K
Source: FEC