Johnson’s call for ‘fair elections’ wins her Secretary of State office

By: Joshua Haiar - November 8, 2022 10:25 pm

Republican Monae Johnson’s campaign for more transparent elections and requiring voter ID has won her the office of South Dakota’s Secretary of State.

Johnson handily defeated Democrat Tom Cool, who leaned in to concerns about her being an “election denier” during campaign appearances.

The office of the Secretary of State is responsible for South Dakota’s public documents and oversees state elections.

“We ran a fantastic campaign and we have great supporters,” Johnson said.

Johnson beat Cool with 65% of the vote.

Democrat Cool said the defeat makes him worried for his fellow South Dakotans.

“It’s sad,” Cool said. “South Dakotans don’t know what they’re voting for.”

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Joshua Haiar

Joshua Haiar is a reporter based in Sioux Falls. Born and raised in Mitchell, he joined the Navy as a public affairs specialist after high school and then earned a degree from the University of South Dakota. Prior to joining South Dakota Searchlight, Joshua worked for five years as a multimedia specialist and journalist with South Dakota Public Broadcasting.