Using a new logo, it is being reported that Congressman Dusty Johnson will be making a special announcement on Monday.
Stay tuned. Things may just be getting more interesting in South Dakota politics.
Using a new logo, it is being reported that Congressman Dusty Johnson will be making a special announcement on Monday.
Stay tuned. Things may just be getting more interesting in South Dakota politics.
I wonder what he’s announcing?
I wonder if Larry endorses him right away or keeps pretending to run?
Is Rhoden merely transitioning the administration to Dusty? Do you think that was always part of the plan, or is he actually considering a run?
Larry Rhoden is a nice man, and he’s capable enough, but in a crowded primary field, he’d likely finish dead last.
Finally someone relevant is entering the race.
Finally, a viable candidate who will not embarrass our state on the national level.
Well how about that.
I wonder if Toby will keep throwing piles of money at a race he has to know he cannot win.
with only 16-17% turnout for primaries, anybody can win
This is Rhoden’s race to lose.
I would argue that June 2018 is the most recent example that we can look to when estimating turnout.
In that primary there was Jackley/Noem and Johnson/Krebs/Tapio. In 2022, 104,043 of 249,980 registered Republicans voted, or about 41%. In the 2020 primary, 94,997 of 261,588 Rs voted, or about 36%. In 2020, it was Rounds/Borglum and Dusty/Marty-May. Moving past Covid, in 2022, 124,329 of 286,333 Rs voted, or about 43%. This had Noem/Haugaard, Thune/Whalen/Mowry and Johnson/Howard. (Not to mention the well attended convention with Haugaard/Rhoden and AG contest). In our most recent primary of 2024, 76,095 of 287,376 Rs voted. This was still above 16-17% at 26% of registered Republicans. Yes, dramatically lower than 2018, 2020, or 2022. However, the 2024 primary had no statewide Republican races, and Trump was uncontested in the state. Republican voters were already excited for the general election (Trump v. Biden at the time). Without a statewide contest at the top, it is only logical that ~48,000 Republicans stayed home as compared to 2022. Not the case in 2026.
My point being, in the 2026 Republican Primary voters will be contacted by candidates for Governor, (even Lt. Governor with Lems’ announcement), U.S. Senate (Rounds could have a challenger), and U.S. House. You throw on top the potential of an open AG seat to be nominated weeks post-primary, voters will be paying attention whether they want to or not. I suspect that we will see a 2018/2022 level primary involvement.
In any case, Dusty has a strong starting position and positive-name ID which won’t be cheap for newcomer candidates to purchase.
several great points made. Reasonable to expect that 40 percent of SD’s registered Republicans participate in the 26 primary. Given the state’s growth, 40% could –> record number of primary voters in absolute terms. This circumstance favors a well-funded campaign
He’d do more good staying in DC.
Term limits?
If Congressman Johnson does announce, he will run for Governor Monday. My question is what role will GOP Chairman Jim Eschenbaum will play in this election especially if Governor Rhoden does announce to seek re-election?
Are we invading Panama?
Maybe another Bitcoin scam?
Edge of my seat here.
Though no politician is universally liked, Congressman Johnson will come into the race as the frontrunner. Though some conservatives may say he’s not conservative enough, he’s a relentless campaigner with a state-wide network, and he can bury his opponents with t-shirts, signs and commercials. Hansen may be able to give him a grassroots challenge if Doeden drops out, but Rhoden is an afterthought, and it will be Johnson’s race to lose.
Yep. Dusty will be the front runner. Jackley is out. Rhoden will soon be out because he won’t raise any money. So that will leave Tony to run for Congress. We will see if an awkward politician can win a Congressional run. Will Tony be the next Larry Pressler for South Dakota?
The Rhoden Rhangers have very fat wallets.