South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson (R) announced on Saturday that she is endorsing Terrence Davis, the Democratic candidate running to replace her. This move marks a significant departure from party lines, as Johnson is backing a Democrat over the official Republican nominee, Heather Baxter.

Johnson’s decision follows her defeat at the state’s Republican convention in June, where delegates chose Baxter as the party's candidate for the upcoming election. In her statement regarding the endorsement, Johnson emphasized that the role of Secretary of State requires a primary focus on the law and the integrity of the office. She suggested that her support for Davis is rooted in her assessment of the candidates' qualifications and their approach to the responsibilities of the position.

While the Republican Party has officially thrown its support behind Baxter, Johnson’s public break with the party nominee highlights internal friction within the state’s political landscape. The endorsement has drawn attention due to the rarity of an incumbent official publicly supporting a candidate from the opposing party to succeed them. Neither Baxter nor the state Republican leadership has issued a formal response to Johnson’s endorsement as of the time of reporting. The race for Secretary of State remains a focal point for voters interested in how the office will be managed following Johnson's departure.