Rep. Dusty Johnson is set to announce his candidacy for South Dakota governor on Monday, marking the eighth House Republican to seek higher office in 2026. The announcement will take place in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Johnson has served as the state’s sole House representative since 2019. Johnson, a member of the Main Street Caucus of Republicans, has been a key figure in major Capitol Hill deals in recent years.
His decision to pursue the gubernatorial race comes after years of political maneuvering and public speculation about his potential bid. Johnson’s campaign is expected to focus on his legislative achievements, particularly his role in shaping key Republican policies in Washington. As one of the most prominent conservative voices in Congress, his candidacy is viewed as a significant development in the state’s political landscape.
The 2026 gubernatorial race in South Dakota will see a growing number of House Republicans vying for state leadership. Alongside Johnson, notable candidates include Rep. Andy Biggs from Arizona, Byron Donalds from Florida, Randy Feenstra from Iowa, John James from Michigan, and John Rose from Tennessee. Additionally, Reps. Andy Barr of Kentucky and Buddy Carter of Georgia have announced Senate campaigns for the same election cycle. This trend underscores a broader pattern of House Republicans increasingly seeking state-level office in the lead-up to the 2028 presidential elections.