Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
28.6%
27.1%
18.4%
13.1%
South Dakota Republican Governor nominee?
$1.0M
JUL 29, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleU.S. Representative
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyModerate Republican
Age49 years old (Sep 30, 1976)
GenderMale
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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.comkeloland.comaberdeeninsider.comnbcnews.comfoxnews.comalmanacofamericanpolitics.substack.compolitico.comsemafor.comfacebook.cominstagram.comclerk.house.govziplook.house.govwikidata.orgjustfacts.votesmart.orgcommons.wikimedia.orgupload.wikimedia.orgcongress.govbioguideretro.congress.goves.wikipedia.orgnga.orgballotready.orggovinfo.govfec.govnaturalresources.house.gov
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.
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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.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 4, 2026
Dusty Johnson was eliminated from South Dakota’s Republican governor primary after finishing third with 23% of the vote. Toby Doeden led the race, but no candidate cleared the 35% threshold, so the GOP nomination now goes to an eight-week runoff on July 28. Johnson had been polling near the top in the weeks before the vote and had also drawn attention for calling for changes to the state clemency process.
history.house.gov+41
Articles
SFSioux Falls Argus Leader1 month ago
What South Dakota governor candidates say about education policy
Neutral
SFSioux Falls Argus Leader2 months ago
Rhoden: Johnson threatened me not to enter governor's race
Neutral
ANAberdeen News2 months ago
Dusty Johnson widens lead in South Dakota governor race
Positive
ANAberdeen News4 months ago
'Dusty Johnson leads SD governor poll, Toby Doeden of Aberdeen 2nd
Positive
Polls
South Dakota Republican Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
South Dakota Republican Governor nominee?
Endorsers of Dusty Johnson for South Dakota Republican Governor nominee?
South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police
Public endorsement
The South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Dusty Johnson.
current and former South Dakota state lawmakers
Public endorsement
Current and former South Dakota state lawmakers endorsed Dusty Johnson.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total 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
$2.6M
$4.3M
$255.5K
Source: FEC