Representative Dusty Johnson has announced that he will run for South Dakota Governor’s seat in the 2026 election cycle.
Johnson has held South Dakota’s at-large US House seat since 2019.
Before going to the Federal government, Johnson served as chief of staff to Governor Dennis Daugaard.
In Congress, Johnson has been a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, which is a group working to end obstruction in Washington. He has voted in favor of the big, beautiful, bill.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackely said he will run for the House seat to replace Johnson.
Jackley has served as Attorney General from 2009 to 2019 and was reelected in 2022. He ran for governor in 2018, losing to Kristi Noem.
Jackley has adopted policy stances of the present administration, including arguments that drugs are coming up from the Southern border and that the federal government is misusing tax dollars.
Current South Dakota governor Larry Rhoden has not yet made a decision regarding a re-election campaign.
*Additionally, Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon has announced he will not seek reelection in 2026 and plans to retire at the end of the 119th Congress.
Don Bacon was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee.
In a press release, Bacon said, “During the remainder of the 119th Congress, we will be focused on finishing the job.”
During Bacon’s Congressional career, Bacon has introduced 38 bills that have become law.
*In other news, 18 to 20 year old Iowans will have the ability to carry handguns under a new law beginning July 1st. State law will permit them to own and carry, but not purchase, handguns or handgun ammunition.
State officials say licensed gun dealers remain restricted from selling or transferring handguns to anyone under 21. Iowans between 18 and 20 who own or carry guns may only do so under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or spouse who is 18 years or older.
Art Roche, board member of Iowans for Gun Safety, says the group is concerned it could easily put more guns into hands of people who may not be equipped to use them responsibly.
Supporters say 18 year olds are granted other rights such as voting and should have the right to carry a handgun.