Dusty Johnson

Dusty Johnson
U.S. House of Representatives · Public domain · source
Name	Dusty Johnson
Birth date	February 6, 1976
Birth place	Pierre, South Dakota, U.S.
Party	Republican Party (United States)
Education	University of South Dakota (B.S.), Georgetown University (M.P.A.)
Occupation	Politician, consultant
Office	U.S. Representative for South Dakota's at-large congressional district

Dusty Johnson

Dusty Johnson is an American politician and consultant who has served as the U.S. Representative for South Dakota's at-large congressional district since 2019. A member of the Republican Party (United States), he previously served on the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission and held staff positions in state and federal offices. Johnson's career spans roles in state government, federal administration, the private sector, and electoral politics.

Early life and education

Johnson was born in Pierre, South Dakota, and raised in Pierre, South Dakota and the surrounding Missouri River region. He attended T.F. Riggs High School before earning a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Dakota and a Master of Public Administration from the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. During his education he was influenced by figures and institutions including the South Dakota State Capitol, the Republican Party (United States), and policy programs connected to Washington, D.C. public affairs. Johnson's formative years intersected with regional public service traditions associated with leaders like Bill Janklow and institutions such as the South Dakota Democratic Party and South Dakota Senate offices.

Business career and private sector work

Johnson worked in the private sector as a consultant and adviser for firms and nonprofit organizations operating across Pierre, South Dakota and the broader Midwestern United States. His consulting engagements connected him to policy networks around energy policy and agriculture businesses involving entities like Basin Electric Power Cooperative, regional credit unions and local chambers of commerce such as the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. He interacted with trade organizations similar to the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and legal practices that work with agencies like the Federal Communications Commission. Johnson's private sector experience also included collaborations with university research programs at the University of South Dakota and stakeholder groups tied to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency.

South Dakota Public Utilities Commission

Johnson was elected to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (SD PUC), serving on the regulatory body that oversees utilities in the state. As a commissioner he engaged with issues involving the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission's jurisdiction over electric cooperatives, telecommunications carriers regulated under the Federal Communications Commission, and pipeline matters implicating agencies such as the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. He worked on proceedings related to regional transmission organizations like Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), renewable energy projects linked to companies comparable to NextEra Energy and CHS Inc., and rate cases affecting constituents represented by groups similar to AARP and South Dakota Farm Bureau. Johnson's tenure on the SD PUC involved coordination with state executive branches including the Governor of South Dakota and legislative oversight from the South Dakota Legislature.

U.S. House of Representatives

Johnson was elected to the 116th United States Congress and reelected to subsequent Congresses, representing South Dakota in the United States House of Representatives. In Congress he has served on committees and subcommittees that address issues intersecting with the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the House Committee on Armed Services, and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, working alongside members from delegations such as the Minnesota congressional delegation and the Iowa congressional delegation. Johnson has participated in hearings featuring officials from the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Transportation, and has worked with caucuses including the Republican Study Committee and the House Baltic Caucus. His congressional service connected him to landmark events such as deliberations during the COVID-19 pandemic and legislative packages influenced by the Trump administration and the Biden administration.

Political positions and legislative record

Johnson's voting record and sponsorships reflect priorities on infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and telecommunications. He has supported measures related to the Farm Bill, broadband expansion initiatives aligned with programs at the Federal Communications Commission and the Rural Utilities Service, and energy policies involving renewable energy incentives and fossil fuel regulations debated in the United States Senate. Johnson has cosponsored or voted on bills touching tax provisions in the wake of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, appropriations overseen by the House Appropriations Committee, and defense authorizations like the National Defense Authorization Act. His positions have been discussed by state and national organizations including the National Rifle Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Personal life and community involvement

Johnson resides in Pierre, South Dakota and participates in local civic organizations and faith communities typical of the region, cooperating with groups resembling the Rotary International club chapters, agricultural associations such as the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation, and educational partnerships with institutions like the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University. He has engaged with veterans' organizations such as American Legion posts and community development programs funded through federal agencies like the Economic Development Administration. Johnson's personal affiliations include family ties to the local community and regular interaction with municipal leaders from Pierre, South Dakota and county officials across the South Dakota counties.

Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives Category:People from Pierre, South Dakota Category:Republican Party (United States) politicians