The announcement confirms what many throughout the state have expected for months, if not years. He joins a growing field in the Republican primary slated for June of 2026.

Dusty Johnson is the chairman of the Main Street Caucus. His at-large seat, which will be left vacant, is rated "solid Republican."

Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) could face a strong primary challenger in the 2026 midterm elections from his home state’s attorney general. South Dakota’s at-large congressional seat has been held by Johnson since 2019.