State’s top election official loses nomination to challenger who supports hand-counting

By: Seth Tupper

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: June 28, 2026

Words: 997

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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RAPID CITY — Delegates at the South Dakota Republican Convention denied the state’s top election official an opportunity to seek reelection, choosing a nominee Saturday for secretary of state who advocates for hand-counted election results.

Heather Baxter received 59% support in the convention hall at The Monument events center to beat incumbent Monae Johnson. The nomination was one of six decided by about 700 delegates from across the state during the convention’s third and final …

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