2008 United States Senate election in South Dakota

none March 2026 December 2017 2008 United States Senate election in South Dakota South Dakota presidential no 2002 United States Senate election in South Dakota 2002 2014 United States Senate election in South Dakota 2014 November 4, 2008 File:Tim Johnson official portrait, 2009.jpg 150x150px Tim Johnson Democratic Party (United States) 237,835 62.49% 3x4.svg Joel Dykstra Republican Party (United States) 142,766 37.51% 260px County results 260px Precinct results 1 250px Johnson: #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90% #0d0596 >90%Dykstra: #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #D72F30 70–80% #C21B18 80–90%Tie: #AE8BB1 50% U.S. Senator Tim Johnson Democratic Party (United States) Tim Johnson Democratic Party (United States) The 2008 United States Senate election in South Dakota was held on November 4, 2008. Primary elections were held on June 3, 2008.http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002689882 CQ Politics Sen. Johnson Rated Safe as Recruiting Woes Hurt GOP November 7, 2008 March 18, 2008 Marie Horrigan https://web.archive.org/web/20081108025754/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002689882 November 8, 2008 dead Incumbent Senator Tim Johnson won re-election to a third term. As of 2024, this election alongside the simultaneous House race is the last time a Democrat won a statewide election in South Dakota. Background In 2002, Tim Johnson was re-elected by a narrow margin of 527 votes, the closest senate contest in the country that cycle.Alvarez Lizette 2002-11-07 THE 2002 ELECTIONS: SOUTH DAKOTA; Democrat Leads Slightly In Senate Race en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/07/us/the-2002-elections-south-dakota-democrat-leads-slightly-in-senate-race.html live 2023-08-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20130412191025/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/07/us/the-2002-elections-south-dakota-democrat-leads-slightly-in-senate-race.html 2013-04-12 0362-4331 Two years later, Republicans flipped the state's other senate seat, ousting Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle. 2004-11-03 CNN.com - Thune unseats Senate minority leader Daschle - Nov 3, 2004 https://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/03/senate.southdakota/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20050318050047/https://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/03/senate.southdakota/ 2005-03-18 2023-08-31 www.cnn.com Heading into 2008, the seat was poised to be a heavily contested one, and Republicans saw as a strong potential flip.Johnson Dirk Herszenhorn David October 23, 2008 In South Dakota Race, Gauging the Impact of a Senator's Health The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/23/us/politics/23dakota.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2 live 2023-08-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20180810072500/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/23/us/politics/23dakota.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2 2018-08-10 The race was upended on December 13, 2006, when Senator Johnson was hospitalized with what was later revealed to be a brain hemorrhage.Zernike Kate 2006-12-13 South Dakota Senator Is Hospitalized en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/13/washington/13cnd-senate.html live 2023-08-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20210125141916/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/13/washington/13cnd-senate.html 2021-01-25 0362-4331ABC News Sen. Tim Johnson's Second Chance at Life and Work https://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=3532159&page=1 live https://web.archive.org/web/20070906090859/https://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=3532159&page=1 2007-09-06 2023-08-31 ABC News en This immediately shook up the state of the race, and dashed much of the discourse surrounding it for a time.Staff C. Q. 2007-01-26 Democrats Strategize to Hold On to 12 Senate Seats Up in 2008 - New York Times https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/cq/2007/01/26/cq_2191.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20230831230553/https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/cq/2007/01/26/cq_2191.html 2023-08-31 2023-08-31 archive.nytimes.com On the Democratic side, there was uncertainty if Johnson would be able to return to the Senate, and speculation on whether Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin, the state's at-large congresswoman, would run in his place.Rothenberg Stuart 2007-09-07 In 2008 Election Cycle, How Bad Is Bad for Senate Republicans? https://www.rollcall.com/2007/09/07/in-2008-election-cycle-how-bad-is-bad-for-senate-republicans/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20210122060300/https://www.rollcall.com/2007/09/07/in-2008-election-cycle-how-bad-is-bad-for-senate-republicans/ 2021-01-22 2023-08-31 Roll Call enStaff C. Q. Quarterly Congressional 2007-04-10 Johnson's Political Future Stirs Speculation — And Fundraising - New York Times https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/cq/2007/04/10/cq_2538.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20230831231023/https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/cq/2007/04/10/cq_2538.html 2023-08-31 2023-08-31 archive.nytimes.com However, by all accounts, Johnson still intended to run for re-election as long as his health kept improving, and prominent Democrats such as Harry Reid and Ted Kennedy held fundraisers for Johnson. After a nine-month absence, Johnson returned to the Senate in August 2007, and was back to his duties as senator in September 2007.Hearn Josephine 2007-09-05 Johnson returns, deeply changed by illness https://www.politico.com/story/2007/09/johnson-returns-deeply-changed-by-illness-005668 live https://web.archive.org/web/20211127040504/https://www.politico.com/story/2007/09/johnson-returns-deeply-changed-by-illness-005668 2021-11-27 2023-08-31 POLITICO en One month later, Johnson ended all speculation by announcing his bid for re-election.Davey Monica 2007-10-20 Recuperating Senator Says He'll Seek Re-election en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/20/us/politics/20johnson.html live 2023-08-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20150605075118/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/20/us/politics/20johnson.html 2015-06-05 0362-4331 Republican primary Candidates Joel Dykstra, South Dakota state representative Charles Gonyo Sam Kephart Declined Dennis Daugaard, incumbent lieutenant governor since 2003Drucker David M. 2007-10-19 Johnson to Seek Third Senate Term https://www.rollcall.com/2007/10/19/johnson-to-seek-third-senate-term/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20201027004952/https://rollcall.com/2007/10/19/johnson-to-seek-third-senate-term/ 2020-10-27 2023-08-31 Roll Call en Dusty Johnson, member of the South Dakota Public Utilities CommissionRoll Call Staff 2007-05-10 Herseth's Path to Another Term a Little Less Dusty https://www.rollcall.com/2007/05/10/herseths-path-to-another-term-a-little-less-dusty/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20200927155302/https://rollcall.com/2007/05/10/herseths-path-to-another-term-a-little-less-dusty/ 2020-09-27 2023-08-31 Roll Call enBlake Aaron 2007-07-05 Republican enters race for ill senator's seat https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/622-republican-enters-race-for-ill-senators-seat/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20230831225444/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/437-republican-enters-race-for-ill-senators-seat/ 2023-08-31 2023-08-31 The Hill en-US Mike Rounds, incumbent governor since 2003 Campaign Republican efforts for recruitment were frustrated by Johnson's situation and the sympathy boost that came with it.Drucker David M. 2007-05-21 South Dakota ’08 Jockeying Begins https://www.rollcall.com/2007/05/21/south-dakota-08-jockeying-begins/ https://web.archive.org/web/20210228041131/https://rollcall.com/2007/05/21/south-dakota-08-jockeying-begins/ 2021-02-28 2023-08-31 Roll Call en Significant hope was given to the possibility of recruiting second-term governor Mike Rounds to run against Johnson, but Rounds showed little interest. Lt. Governor Dennis Daugaard, who was wealthy and could self-fund, was also sought, but he was planning a gubernatorial bid for 2010. On July 5, 2007, Joel Dykstra, a state representative, entered, but he was seen as having long odds and as not a top-tier candidate.Horrigan Marie Quarterly Congressional South Dakota Sen. Johnson Draws Foe With Record — But Not Star Power - New York Times https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/cq/2007/07/06/cq_3022.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20230831224817/https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/cq/2007/07/06/cq_3022.html 2023-08-31 2023-08-31 archive.nytimes.comJudis John 2007-08-31 Red Dawn: 2008 Will be a Great Election for Democrats in the Senate https://carnegieendowment.org/posts/2007/08/red-dawn-2008-will-be-a-great-election-for-democrats-in-the-senate?lang=en live https://web.archive.org/web/20230502230505/https://carnegieendowment.org/2007/08/31/red-dawn-2008-will-be-great-election-for-democrats-in-senate-pub-19543 2023-05-02 2023-08-31 Carnegie Endowment for National Peace Results Republican primary resultshttp://www.sdsos.gov/electionsvoteregistration/pastelections_electioninfo08_primarysw.shtm 2008 South Dakota Official Primary Election Results June 3, 2008 May 18, 2011 May 15, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110515142355/http://www.sdsos.gov/electionsvoteregistration/pastelections_electioninfo08_primarysw.shtm dead Joel Dykstra Republican Party (United States) 34,598 65.74% Sam Kephart Republican Party (United States) 13,047 24.79% Charles Gonyo Republican Party (United States) 4,983 9.47% 52,628 100.00% General election Candidates Joel Dykstra (R), South Dakota state representative Tim Johnson (D), incumbent U.S. senator Campaign Already a well-regarded figure, following health problems, Johnson became more popular. "South Dakota is a very kind state," Steve Jarding, a Harvard political scientist who ran Johnson's campaign, said. "People were rooting for Tim—Democrats, Republicans, independents—they wanted him to be O.K." He was also seen a pragmatic moderate. He received endorsements from the Republican Mayor of Sioux Falls, Dave Munson, and the NRA Political Victory Fund.Joel Dykstra on Gun Control Republican Challenger https://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Joel_Dykstra_Gun_Control.htm On The Issues 2 August 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20080725231826/https://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Joel_Dykstra_Gun_Control.htm July 25, 2008 en-US live Johnson also received the endorsement of former Senator Larry Pressler, whom Johnson beat in 1996.Kraushaar Josh 2008-10-27 Tim Johnson endorsed by former GOP rival - - POLITICO.com https://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/1008/Tim_Johnson_endorsed_by_former_GOP_rival.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20150425041523/https://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/1008/Tim_Johnson_endorsed_by_former_GOP_rival.html 2015-04-25 2023-08-29 www.politico.comWoster Kevin 2008-10-26 Pressler endorses Sen. Johnson, the man who beat him in 1996 https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/top-stories/pressler-endorses-sen-johnson-the-man-who-beat-him-in-1996/article_7fd3f5ef-4ef3-574e-8c4f-27c557fb6f02.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20230829184307/https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/top-stories/pressler-endorses-sen-johnson-the-man-who-beat-him-in-1996/article_7fd3f5ef-4ef3-574e-8c4f-27c557fb6f02.html 2023-08-29 2023-08-29 Rapid City Journal en Dykstra argued that Johnson voted 80% of the time with U.S. Senator Barack Obama and 90% with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. In response, Johnson pointed out his votes on the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court justices John Roberts/Samuel Alito, against flag burning, in favor for the Iraq War, Patriot Act, and a ban on partial birth abortion.Kevin Woster Johnson campaigns on cash, Dykstra wants change http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/article_1d5992b0-5996-5e41-9ed4-bb8b400cecea.html Rapid City Journal Lee Enterprises 2 August 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20100815082624/http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/article_1d5992b0-5996-5e41-9ed4-bb8b400cecea.html August 15, 2010 en-US October 19, 2008 liveAugust 2023 Dykstra tried to turn the race around by comparing Johnson to Larry Pressler in 1996, and said that Dykstra would work better with the state's other senator.2008-08-01 Dykstra compares his race to Johnson vs. Pressler race https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/dykstra-compares-his-race-to-johnson-vs-pressler-race live https://web.archive.org/web/20230831231708/https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/dykstra-compares-his-race-to-johnson-vs-pressler-race 2023-08-31 2023-08-31 Mitchell Republic en Dykstra also focused on high gas prices, highlighting his experience in the energy industry, and a focus on alternate energy sources.Hetland Cara 2008-06-04 S.D. Sen. Tim Johnson has a Republican challenger https://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/06/04/sd-sen-tim-johnson-has-a-republican-challenger live https://web.archive.org/web/20211205081829/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/06/04/sd-sen-tim-johnson-has-a-republican-challenger 2021-12-05 2023-08-31 MPR News en Johnson's popularity and sympathy proved to be the main factor, giving him a large amount of sympathy vote.ABC News S.D. Democrats pin hopes on popular senator https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=6035368&page=1 live https://web.archive.org/web/20091205034323/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=6035368&page=1 2009-12-05 2023-08-31 ABC News en Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political Report2008 Senate Race ratings for October 23, 2008 https://cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139080 The Cook Political Report April 1, 2021 June 25, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210625160336/https://cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139080 dead Likely DOctober 23, 2008 CQ PoliticsRace Ratings Chart: Senate https://web.archive.org/web/20101028234525/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=ratings-senate October 28, 2010 CQ Politics Safe DOctober 31, 2008 Rothenberg Political Report2008 Senate ratings https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2008-senate-ratings Inside Elections April 1, 2021 Safe DNovember 2, 2008 Real Clear Politics2008 RCP Averages & Senate Results https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/senate/election_2008_senate_races.html Real Clear Politics August 31, 2021 Safe DNovember 4, 2008 Polling Poll source Dates administered TimJohnson (D) JoelDykstra (R)Rasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports March 4, 2008 63% 28%Rasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports July 15, 2008 60% 38% Results While John McCain won the state comfortably, Johnson easily won re-election to a third term, losing in only four counties. His friend and fellow Democrat, Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, easily won re-election to SD AL.South Dakota - Election Results 2008 - The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/elections/2008/results/states/south-dakota.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20170201113406/https://www.nytimes.com/elections/2008/results/states/south-dakota.html 2017-02-01 2023-08-31 www.nytimes.com General election resultshttp://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/2008/2008Stat.htm#stateSD Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives Democratic Party (United States) Tim Johnson (incumbent) 237,889 62.49% +12.87% Republican Party (United States) Joel Dykstra 142,784 37.51% -11.96% 380,673 100.00% N/A Democratic Party (United States) Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Union (largest city: Dakota Dunes) Hutchinson (largest city: Parkston) Lincoln (largest city: Sioux Falls) Turner (largest city: Parker) Butte (largest city: Belle Fourche) Meade (largest city: Sturgis) Custer (largest city: Custer) Pennington (largest city: Rapid City) Lawrence (largest city: Spearfish) Fall River (largest city: Hot Springs) Stanley (largest city: Fort Pierre) Jackson (largest city: Kadoka) Potter (largest city: Gettysburg) Sully (largest city: Onida) Hughes (largest city: Pierre) Hyde (largest city: Highmore) Walworth (largest city: Mobridge) Campbell (largest city: Herreid) McPherson (largest city: Eureka) Tripp (largest city: Winner) Gregory (largest city: Gregory) Hamlin (largest city: Estelline) Davison (largest city: Mitchell) Douglas (largest city: Armour) Hanson (largest city: Alexandria) See also 2008 United States Senate elections References External links Elections & Voter Registration from the South Dakota Secretary of State U.S. Congress candidates for South Dakota at Project Vote Smart South Dakota, U.S. Senate from CQ Politics South Dakota U.S. Senate from OurCampaigns.com South Dakota Senate race from 2008 Race Tracker Dykstra (R) vs Johnson (D-i) graph of multiple polls from Pollster.com Official campaign websites Joel Dykstra, Republican nominee Tim Johnson, Democratic incumbent nominee 2008 South Dakota United States Senate