Monae L. Johnson is a Republican serving as South Dakota's 30th Secretary of State, a statewide position rather than a legislative district. A fourth-generation South Dakotan, she was born in Brookings, raised in Rapid City, and now resides in Pierre. She has extensive experience in the Secretary of State's office, including 4.5 years under Chris Nelson and 3.5 years under Shantel Krebs, totaling eight years prior to her election.

Education and Political Experience

Specific details on her formal education are not publicly detailed in available records. Politically, Johnson announced her candidacy for Secretary of State in February 2022, winning the Republican nomination over incumbent Steve Barnett at the June convention. She defeated Democrat Tom Cool in the November 8, 2022, general election. Governor Kristi Noem appointed her to the office on December 5, 2022, following Barnett's resignation, and she was sworn in on January 7, 2023, for a four-year term.

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Created the Gladys Pyle Award in September 2023 for excellence in young voter registration, awarded to high schools and colleges achieving high registration rates among eligible seniors.
• Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dakota Wesleyan University in December 2023 and launched the first quarterly Economic Report in May 2024 using business filing data to aid economic projections.
• Advocated for and implemented post-election audits in 2022 campaign; first audits after the June 2024 primary successfully validated election results.
• Member of the *National Association of Secretaries of State *, serving on the Archives Committee; hosting the 2026 Summer NASS conference in Rapid City.
• Board member of the Zonta Club of Pierre/Fort Pierre.