Rep. Dusty Johnson wins Republican nomination in 2020 South Dakota primary election
Lisa Kaczke
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson overwhelmingly won the Republican primary election in his bid for South Dakota's sole seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, according to the Associated Press.
The race was called at 8:18 p.m., shortly after polls closed in the western part of the state at 8 p.m.
Johnson called his win "one of the largest congressional primary wins in state history" after thousands of South Dakotans cast their votes. Johnson thanked South Dakotans for their encouragement, time, contributions and prayers, noting that no candidate can win a race alone.
"This is an unusual and difficult time in our nation's history," Johnson said in a statement. "As I move toward the November election and the opportunity to continue representing our state, I'll remember there is much work still to be done in the service of 'one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.'"
Johnson will advance to the general election after defeating Liz May, a former Republican legislator and rancher from Kyle, in the primary election on Tuesday. Johnson will face Libertarian candidate Randy "Uriah" Luallin of Hot Springs in the November general election.
Johnson received 76% of the vote with 545 of 667 precincts reporting, while May had 24%.
May said she entered the race four months ago knowing that it would be "a win for South Dakota" no matter the results. Ranchers have been "desperate" for change for more than 30 years, especially in the last few years, and her campaign gave them a platform to focus on problems that need to be addressed.
"Agriculture is our No. 1 industry and we have to always fight to protect it," May said.
Democrats won't have a candidate on November ballot for the U.S. House after Democratic candidate Whitney Raver was less than 100 petition signatures shy of the total needed to run for the U.S. House.