A Personal Statement from
Monae L. Johnson, South Dakota Secretary of State: 
Why I Am Supporting Terrence Davis
A personal statement on judgment, competence, and the future of the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office

“This office is too important to entrust to someone simply because of the letter beside that person’s name.”

After considerable reflection, I am personally endorsing Terrence Davis to serve as South Dakota’s next Secretary of State.

I am a Republican. Terrence is a Democrat. I understand that this decision will disappoint some people in my party and anger others. After serving in the Secretary of State’s Office for more than a decade, first as an employee and now as Secretary, I know the difference between campaigning for this office and carrying the responsibility of leading it.

My responsibility is to the people of South Dakota. I cannot remain silent when I believe the integrity, stability, and professionalism of this office is at stake.

My time in this office has taught me that election administration cannot be reduced to a single issue or a single proposal. The Secretary of State must consider the law, the information available, the effect on county officials, the security of statewide systems, the rights of voters, the cost and workload created by a change, and whether the proposal can be implemented within the deadlines the law requires. It also requires a willingness to review new information and change course when the evidence supports doing so.

The next Secretary of State will inherit statewide election and business systems, statutory deadlines, county relationships, technology projects, contracts, employees, public records responsibilities, and the administration of numerous state laws. Those responsibilities will exist on the first day in office regardless of what was said during the campaign, and the person elected will be responsible for making the office work for every South Dakotan who relies on it.

I believe voters should review the three candidates’ records, the legislation and policies they have supported, their professional backgrounds, and what their proposals would require in practice. There are significant differences between the candidates in this contest, and the public record gives South Dakotans the information they need to examine those differences for themselves.

Terrence Davis comes to this contest with a different professional background. He has experience in law enforcement and public service, earned a degree in Criminal Justice, later pursued a master’s degree in public policy, and is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Law and Policy. He has publicly identified transparency, voting rights, and making government systems work for the people who use them as priorities of his candidacy.

Those areas have a direct connection to the work of the Secretary of State’s Office. This office deals with South Dakota law every day and requires the Secretary to understand statutes, administer deadlines, work with attorneys and local officials, oversee statewide systems, respond to public-record requirements, manage employees and contracts, and make decisions affecting voters, candidates, businesses, political committees, and county governments. Election administration is only one part of the job. Business Services administers the filings and records South Dakota businesses rely on, including business registrations, annual reports, UCC and EFS filings, and fictitious names. General Services carries its own statewide responsibilities, including notary commissions, apostilles and authentications, lobbyist registrations, and concealed pistol permit records. Those functions affect businesses, lenders, public officials, and citizens every day, and they demand the same accuracy, reliable systems, responsive service, and sound administration that elections require.

South Dakota deserves a Secretary of State who will strengthen confidence through performance rather than provocation; who will support election officials rather than burden them for political effect; who will protect voter access and election security without pretending those goals are enemies; and who will treat the office’s employees, voters, candidates, and business owners with dignity.

I have spent more than a decade in this office. I have carried its responsibilities, defended its people, learned from its challenges, and worked to leave it stronger. With that experience, and with full understanding of what this endorsement may cost me, I believe Terrence Davis is the candidate best prepared to protect the office and serve South Dakota with seriousness, steadiness, and integrity.

That is why I am asking South Dakotans, Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians, independents, and everyone in between, to look beyond the letter beside a candidate’s name, examine the record and the temperament of the candidates seeking this responsibility, and vote for Terrence Davis for Secretary of State.

 

 

 

Monae L. Johnson
South Dakota Secretary of State

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This is a personal political statement.  Not an official statement or endorsement of the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office.

 

 

President Trump and Governor Rhoden Lower Prescription Drug Prices

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden joined President Donald J. Trump to announce lower prescription drug prices through “Most Favored Nation” pricing and the GENEROUS Model. They were joined by Secretary of Health & Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Administrator of the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Dr. Mehmet Oz, and several other governors. The announcement was held at the Oval Office in the White House.

“This announcement is a major win to make health care more affordable for Americans. With this announcement, we will cut prescription drug costs, and we’ll save money for South Dakota taxpayers,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “I am grateful for President Trump’s initiative on this, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to make health care stronger and more affordable.”

The GENEROUS Model brings “Most Favored Nation” pricing into Medicaid, allowing states to obtain additional Medicaid drug rebates, lower drug costs, and increase health care affordability for taxpayers. South Dakota has done a lot of work to lower prescription drug costs for Medicaid, but this announcement will help cut the cost of a few key drugs that cover a wide range of conditions.

Instead, of a one-size-fits-all approach, the GENEROUS Model gives states the power to choose which individual drugs make sense to opt-in on. South Dakota has currently identified three drugs that would benefit from these lower prices, saving the state approximately $750,000 a year.

“America shouldn’t pay higher drug prices than other developed nations,” continued Governor Larry Rhoden. “We can now confidently get the lowest cost for every prescription drug in our state. It is a game changer for health care affordability.”

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves were also in attendance.

Outgoing State Senator and accused election fraudster Tom Pischke has apparently filed requesting a new judge in his case, according to KELOland news:

A state lawmaker facing felony forgery charges is asking for a new judge in the case.

Court documents say Republican Sen. Tom Pischke believes he could not have a fair trial with the current Judge Susan Sabers.

Read the entire story here.

 

SDADA and SDTA Welcome Trevor Jones as New President

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The South Dakota Automobile Dealers Association (SDADA) and South Dakota Trucking Association (SDTA) are pleased to welcome Trevor Jones as their new President, effective October 1, 2026.

An Aberdeen native and graduate of the University of South Dakota, Jones brings extensive experience in state government, association leadership, public safety, infrastructure, and advocacy. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for bringing people together, navigating complex issues, and working on behalf of the organizations and communities he serves.

Jones served as Cabinet Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety during Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s administration, gaining firsthand experience with transportation, regulatory, and public safety issues important to South Dakota businesses. He later directed digital forensic services at Dakota State University and has held leadership roles in government relations, public affairs, association management, and private-sector development.

Throughout his career, Jones has worked closely with business leaders, policymakers, community partners, and organizations across South Dakota. His experience has given him a strong understanding of how public policy and regulatory decisions affect businesses, as well as the importance of building relationships and ensuring members have a strong voice at the table.

“Trevor Jones is a great choice to lead SDADA and SDTA. These associations and their members mean a great deal to me personally, and I’m excited to see Trevor take the reins. He’s a proven leader, and I know both organizations are in good hands.”

— Christine Erickson, Former President, SDADA & SDTA

As President, Jones will focus on strengthening the associations’ voices, supporting members, and ensuring the priorities of South Dakota’s trucking and automotive industries remain front and center. His focus will include workforce, infrastructure, safety, regulation, and maintaining a competitive business environment.

Away from the office, Jones is an avid golfer, a dedicated college football fan, and a father who takes particular pride in finding new and creative ways to annoy his adult children.

Please join SDADA and SDTA in welcoming Trevor Jones.

SECRETARY JOHNSON CELEBRATES CONSTITUTION DAY

(Pierre, S.D.) – Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson is celebrating Constitution Day on September 17 and encouraging South Dakotans to reflect on the rights and responsibilities established by the United States Constitution.

Constitution Day marks the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. The Constitution established the framework of the federal government and remains the foundation for many of the rights exercised by Americans today, including participation in the election process.

“Constitution Day is an opportunity to remember that our system of government depends on citizens understanding and participating in it,” Secretary Johnson said. “One of the most important ways South Dakotans take part in that system is through voting.”

The Secretary of State’s Office encourages South Dakotans to take time this week to review their voter registration information, learn more about the upcoming election, and become familiar with the resources available through the state’s election website.

Absentee voting for the November 3, 2026 General Election begins this Friday, September 18^th. Voters may check their registration, review election information, and access voter resources through the Secretary of State’s VIP portal on our website at https://vip.sdsos.gov/VIPLogin.aspx.

“Whether someone votes absentee or on Election Day, being informed and prepared is an important part of participating and protecting our Constitutional Republic,” Secretary Johnson said.

For additional election information, visit sdsos.gov.

Speaking of fundraising, here’s one candidate who is doing well raising money inside South Dakota.  Representative Taylor Rehfeldt is having a big fundraiser this Thursday in Sioux Falls, with a yuuuge list of supporters.

Former State Senator Erin Tobin went to Facebook today pointing out that pretend Indy Brian Bengs has only 20% of his campaign funds coming from South Dakotans:

Read it here.

Bengs is whining everyday about money in politics, yet his FEC reports show he’s a shill for out of state liberals supporting Dindependents (Democrats running as Independents).

Just a few highlights from Bengs’ report:

No Surrender PAC is dedicated to flipping red states to blue states. They maxed out to Bengs in 2026. Their other candidates include progressive socialist Senate candidates like James Talarico in Texas and Jon Ossoff in Georgia.

Colorado millionaire Robert Chew, who’s a lefty running as an Independent, maxed out to Bengs. He’s also given to liberals running as Independents in other states like Dan Osborn in Nebraska, Todd Achilles in Idaho, and Seth Bodnar in Montana.

Berkley, California, billionaire Scott Shenker is a major donor across the United States to progress liberal Democrats, including phony Indies Bengs and Bodnar. His largest contributions are to Democrat Super PACs like Swing Left.

Ryan Offutt of Fargo is also fueling the Dem/Indie movement. He’s also given huge sums to the Democratic party committees and candidates throughout the United States.

So, what do these out of staters care about South Dakota? Nothing. They’re trying to left Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders expand the Democrat caucus in DC.

KELOland news is reporting that State Senator Tom Pischke has asked for a jury trial on his charges of election fraud. As if that’s going to somehow get him off of the charges against him for trying to do sneaky crap by falsifying election forms?

Tom Pischke, a Republican Senator for District 25, appeared at the Minnehaha County Courthouse for an arraignment hearing Tuesday morning, where his attorney entered a not guilty plea.

and..

Pischke is facing two charges of offering a false or forged instrument for filing. Pischke is accused of forging precinct committeeman or committeewoman statement forms, a felony offense.

and..

A jury trial is scheduled for early December. Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Daniel Haggar will represent the state.

Read the entire story here.

Flags at Half-Staff at State Capitol in Honor of Lars Herseth

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden ordered that flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in honor of former state legislator R. Lars Herseth. He served in the South Dakota House of Representatives from 1975 until 1986 and the South Dakota Senate from 1989 until 1996.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm CT on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the Johnson Fine Arts Center, Northern State University, 12th Ave. SE, Aberdeen, SD.

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From Facebook, Indy/Dem/Whatever US Senate Candidate Brian Bengs was showing his Liberal Democrat face this weekend as he was campaigning with Democrats to woo Labor Union support this past weekend:

That adds another question in terms of where Bengs is on South Dakota being a right-to-work state, and whether or not Labor Unions can force membership on a businesses’ employees?  So far from his campaign, I’m getting the impression that when Bengs complains about a two-party system, it means he wants to get rid of all Republicans so Democrats can be back in charge.