Representative Dusty Johnson, Republican from South Dakota

Dusty Johnson

Representative · South Dakota · Republican

Dusty Johnson

Biography
Dusty Johnson began his career managing public utilities in South Dakota, earning a reputation as a pragmatic problem-solver. Elected as U.S. Representative for South Dakota’s at-large district in 2018, he focuses on rural economic development, agriculture, and responsible government spending. Johnson authored the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, strengthening protections for American producers, and serves on the House Agriculture Committee. Through a data-driven, collaborative approach, he works to ensure South Dakotans’ voices are represented in national policy decisions.
Education
  • M.P.A., University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
    2002
  • B.A., University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
    1999
Professional History

  • U.S. Representative

    2019–Present

    Represented South Dakota (at-large district) for 4 terms.

  • Vice President, Vantage Point Solutions

    2014–2018

    Served as a vice president at the telecommunications engineering and consulting firm Vantage Point Solutions in Mitchell, South Dakota.

  • Chief of Staff to the Governor of South Dakota

    2011–2014

    Appointed chief of staff to Governor Dennis Daugaard, overseeing cabinet secretaries, policy advisors, and major gubernatorial initiatives.

  • Public Utilities Commissioner, South Dakota

    2005–2011

    Elected to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission in 2004 and served as one of the state's utility regulators.

  • Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Mike Rounds

    2003

    Worked as a senior policy advisor in the office of South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds.

  • Truman Scholar, U.S. Department of Agriculture Intern

    1998

    As a Truman Scholar, worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.

Policy Focus
Native Americans17%
Transportation and Public Works16%
Agriculture and Food12%
Government Operations and Politics6%
Notable Legislation

Key legislative actions from Dusty Johnson's record in Congress.

  • Rural Broadband Expansion

    Supported legislation and funding to expand high-speed internet access in rural South Dakota communities.

  • Livestock Mandatory Reporting Extension

    Led efforts to extend the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act, aiding transparency and fairness for cattle producers.

  • COVID-19 Relief for Agriculture

    Advocated for targeted COVID-19 relief funding for South Dakota farmers and ranchers impacted by the pandemic.

  • Surface Transportation Board Reform

    Co-sponsored bipartisan bills to improve rail service reliability and address agricultural shipping delays.

Committee Assignments
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  • House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
  • House Committee on Agriculture
  • House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party

Rep. Dusty Johnson FAQ

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