Republican Secretary of State Monae Johnson Endorses Terrence Davis

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson announced her

personal endorsement of Terrence Davis for Secretary of State Saturday, crossing party lines to

support the Democratic nominee.

Johnson, a Republican, has spent more than a decade working in the South Dakota Secretary

of State’s Office, first as an employee and now as Secretary. In a signed personal statement

explaining her endorsement, Johnson said her experience inside the office informed her

decision to support Davis.

“I am a Republican. Terrence is a Democrat. I understand that this decision will disappoint

some people in my party and anger others,” Johnson wrote. “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.”

Johnson’s statement describes the broad responsibilities the next Secretary of State will inherit,

including statewide election and business systems, statutory deadlines, relationships with

counties, technology projects, contracts, employees and public records. She encouraged South

Dakotans to examine the three candidates’ records, professional backgrounds and proposals for

Davis thanked Johnson for her confidence and said their political differences underscore the

significance of her endorsement.

“Secretary Johnson and I come from different political parties, and we will not agree on

every issue. That is exactly why her confidence in me means so much,” Davis said. “She

has spent more than a decade doing this work and understands the responsibility of this

office in a way very few people do. I’m grateful for her trust, and I intend to earn it.”

Johnson concluded by asking South Dakotans “to look beyond the letter beside a candidate’s

name, examine the record and the temperament of the candidates seeking this responsibility”

Download the press kit and high-resolution photos here.

Terrence Davis is the Democratic candidate for South Dakota Secretary of State. A former

Tennessee and South Dakota state trooper, Davis holds degrees in criminal justice and public

policy and is continuing doctoral studies in Law and Policy. His campaign is focused on secure

and accessible elections, responsive public service and responsible administration of the

Secretary of State’s Office.