Johnson, Dusty

Dusty Johnson represents South Dakota's at-large congressional district and chairs the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development. As subcommittee chair, he shapes the legislative agenda on agricultural commodity trading, emerging digital asset issues in farming, and rural economic development—areas critical to his agricultural state. The subcommittee conducts oversight of commodity markets, holds hearings on agricultural policy, and advances legislation affecting farmers and rural communities.

Johnson's background uniquely positions him for this role. Before entering Congress in 2019, he served as chair of South Dakota's Public Utilities Commission from 2007 to 2011, where he was the nation's youngest utilities commissioner and advocated for rural broadband access. He later served as chief of staff to Governor Dennis Daugaard from 2011 to 2014, overseeing state government operations and policy initiatives. Between his state career and Congress, he worked as vice president of a technology solutions company, giving him experience bridging rural needs with modern infrastructure.

Johnson is known as a moderate Republican and member of the Problem Solvers Caucus. During his congressional tenure, he has demonstrated independence from his party on significant votes, including supporting the January 6 commission investigation, voting to revoke the Trump administration's national emergency declaration at the southern border, and backing Liz Cheney's retention as Republican Conference Chair. His legislative focus spans agriculture, transportation infrastructure, tribal affairs, and rural water projects.

In June 2025, Johnson announced his candidacy for Governor of South Dakota in 2026, signaling a transition from his House role.