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Endorsed by Republican Secretary of State Monae Johnson

Democrat for South Dakota Secretary of State

Elections South Dakotans can trust.

Terrence Davis is a former state trooper who served South Dakotans on the road out of Sioux Falls. He trusts our election system, and he will protect it. Every vote counted. Every voice heard. No drama.

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Terrence Davis in a white shirt and light blue tie, smiling, with the South Dakota State Capitol behind him

Endorsements

The Republican who runs the office today says: vote Davis.

Secretary Monae Johnson has worked in the Secretary of State's office for more than a decade. On September 19, 2026, she crossed party lines to endorse Terrence.

Secretary of State Monae Johnson and Terrence Davis in front of the South Dakota State Capitol

Republican · South Dakota Secretary of State

Monae Johnson

“South Dakota deserves a Secretary of State who will strengthen confidence through performance rather than provocation.”

Statement from Secretary Monae Johnson, September 19, 2026.

“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.”

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

“Secretary Johnson and I come from different political parties, and we will not agree on every issue. That is exactly why her confidence in me means so much. She has spent more than a decade doing this work and understands the responsibility of this office in a way very few people do. I'm grateful for her trust, and I intend to earn it.”

Terrence Davis

Billie Sutton in a black cowboy hat, smiling on a prairie hillside

Democrat · 2018 Democratic Nominee for Governor

Billie Sutton

“Terrence is someone we can all trust to do the job fairly and responsibly.”

Former South Dakota Senate Minority Leader. Fifth-generation rancher from Burke and former pro rodeo bronc rider. Founder of the Billie Sutton Leadership Institute.

In the news

Trooper Terrence Davis in uniform holding a South Dakota Highway Patrol award plaque, with his wife and young son Terrence Davis in his Tennessee Highway Patrol uniform
With his wife and son at a South Dakota Highway Patrol awards ceremony. Inset: on duty as a Tennessee State Trooper.Photos from his service as a state trooper. Their use does not imply endorsement by the South Dakota Highway Patrol or the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Meet Terrence

From a hard start to a life of service.

Terrence was born in Peoria, Illinois. As a kid he knew homelessness and what it's like when the systems meant to help you don't. His foster mother helped him find a path forward.

He went to college as a non-traditional student and earned a degree in criminal justice. Then a master's in public policy. He is now working on a doctorate in law and policy.

He served as a state trooper in Tennessee and South Dakota. In Tennessee he worked the Memphis District and served on the Executive Protection Unit, guarding the Governor and visiting officials. In 2021 his family moved to South Dakota, where he served as a trooper in the Sioux Falls district. Most recently, he worked at East River Legal Services, helping South Dakotans get free civil legal help.

His wife is a public school teacher with more than 20 years in the classroom. Their son goes to the school where she teaches. They came here for the same reasons most of us stay: safety, community, and hard work.

  • 2 statesas a state trooper
  • Governor’s detailExecutive Protection Unit
  • Sioux Fallshome since 2021

Priorities

Serve the people. Not politics.

The Secretary of State runs our elections, keeps business records, and protects public information. Terrence has a plan for all of it.

01

Elections you can trust

Keep the tested, audited ballot counters we use today, with people checking the results. Post-election audits in every county already prove they work. Fast, accurate results. No guesswork.

02

Every eligible voice

Let 16-year-olds pre-register when they get a driver's license, so they're ready to vote at 18. Keep voting close to home, especially in rural counties.

03

Your information stays private

When you register to vote, the state holds your personal details. They deserve real protection. Privacy gets built into every system from the start.

04

Catch fraud early

Create an investigative division inside the office to look into fraud, so real problems get found and fixed quickly.

05

A partner for small business

Businesses and nonprofits create jobs and hold our towns together. Filing with the state should be simple, fast, and friendly.

06

A modern, responsive office

Update old systems to cut wait times and paperwork. When you call or file online, you get accurate answers on time.

Why this race matters

It's more than elections.

"People like to box this office into elections only," Terrence says. The Secretary of State touches every county and nearly every business in South Dakota.

  • Elections Voter registration, ballots, and results, working with all 66 county auditors.
  • Business filings LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, and annual reports.
  • Ballot measures Petitions and questions that go before voters.
  • Campaign finance Public reports on who gives and who spends.
  • Notaries and records Commissions, trademarks, and official state records.

On the road

Every corner of South Dakota.

Big towns and small ones. Terrence is showing up, listening, and answering questions.

Terrence Davis beside the Davis, South Dakota town sign, population 85
Terrence Davis talking with two voters at a county fair
Terrence Davis in an orange sweater listening to a voter holding a clipboard
Terrence Davis holding campaign cards beneath the Flandreau town sign
Terrence Davis sitting at a table talking with older voters
Terrence Davis with family and a friend in front of a painted mural
Terrence Davis standing by the Avon town sign in a green field
Davis, Secretary of State, South Dakota

Put it in your yard

Show your neighbors you're with Terrence.

Signs help a first-time candidate get seen in every county. Ask for one and we'll get it to you.

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Make a plan

Your vote. Your way.

Open now

Vote absentee

Absentee voting started September 18. Vote early in person at your county auditor's office, or request a ballot by mail.

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October 19

Register to vote

The last day to register for the November election. Check that your address is current, too.

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November 3

Election Day

Find your polling place and see a sample ballot. Look for Secretary of State and vote Terrence Davis.

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-- days until Election Day

Get involved

This race is won county by county.

Put a sign in your yard. Talk to your neighbors. Host a coffee. Every bit helps a first-time candidate take on a big state.

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