PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson released a personal statement announcing her cross-party endorsement of Democrat Terrence Davis for Secretary of State.

Johnson, a Republican who has spent over a decade working within the Secretary of State’s Office, framed her decision as a matter of prioritizing institutional stability, security, and public responsibility over political affiliation.

“After considerable reflection, I am personally endorsing Terrence Davis to serve as South Dakota’s next Secretary of State,” Johnson stated. “I am a Republican. Terrence is a Democrat. I understand that this decision will disappoint some people in my party and anger others. 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”.

In her statement, Johnson highlighted the vast operational demands of the role, which extend far beyond managing statewide elections. The office handles key services for residents across Rapid City and the rest of the state, including business registrations, notary commissions, uniform commercial code filings, and concealed pistol permit records.

She emphasized that election administration requires careful consideration of state statutes, technical infrastructure, county logistics, voter access, and overall administrative deadlines.

“My responsibility is to the people of South Dakota,” Johnson said. “I cannot remain silent when I believe the integrity, stability, and professionalism of this office is at stake”.

Evaluating the candidates in the race, Johnson pointed to Davis’s background in law enforcement and public service as key factors in her decision. Davis holds a degree in Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in public policy, and is currently completing doctoral studies in Law and Policy. Throughout his campaign, Davis has focused on public transparency, voting rights, and making government infrastructure more efficient for the public.

Johnson urged voters across all political backgrounds to carefully examine each candidate’s professional record and policy vision before casting their ballots.

“South Dakota deserves a Secretary of State who will strengthen confidence through performance rather than provocation; who will support election officials rather than burden them for political effect; who will protect voter access and election security without pretending those goals are enemies; and who will treat the office’s employees, voters, candidates, and business owners with dignity,” Johnson said.

She concluded her statement by asking voters across Rapid City and statewide to look past party labels.

“That is why I am asking South Dakotans, Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians, independents, and everyone in between, to look beyond the letter beside a candidate’s name, examine the record and the temperament of the candidates seeking this responsibility, and vote for Terrence Davis for Secretary of State,” Johnson said.

Davis posted on social media thanking Johnson, “I am deeply grateful to have the support of South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson.

Monae and I come from different political parties. We will not agree on every issue. That is exactly why her confidence in me means so much.”