Prairie Pundits Podcast September 20, 2026

A sitting Republican endorses a Democrat in one of South Dakota’s most important races, and the fallout says a lot more about the state’s political future than the headlines suggest. Ngoc Thach breaks down why Monet Johnson’s endorsement of Terrence Davis is such a historic shift, what it signals about Republican division, and why the Secretary of State race may be the best example yet of voters rejecting party labels for competence. James Preston, Bret Swanson, and Mike Fell push the conversation beyond the endorsement into the deeper fight over election administration, legislative power, voter privacy, and the growing fatigue inside both parties. Ngoc explains why the Secretary of State’s office should be treated as a nonpartisan constitutional role, how Terrence Davis’s law enforcement and legal background shapes his candidacy, and why so many Republicans are quietly crossing lines. You'll hear: Why Monae Johnson’s endorsement of Terrence Davis is being called historic How Republican infighting and “purple Republicans” could reshape the race What makes the Secretary of State office so critical to businesses, nonprofits, and elections Why voter roll privacy became a flashpoint in South Dakota How ALEC-style model legislation and national political playbooks affect local policy Why both parties are facing fatigue, division, and a growing appetite for something different The episode also widens into a larger conversation about political exhaustion, turnout, and the growing appeal of candidates who look like the “best option” instead of the “least worst option.” Mike Fell adds candid insight from working with candidates across the political spectrum, while Bret Swanson and James Preston challenge the panel to think harder about the cost of polarization and the role of independents in a changing electorate. If you care about South Dakota politics, competitive elections, or the future of nonpartisan public offices, this is a must-listen. The discussion is sharp, candid, and surprisingly hopeful, with enough tension, context, and behind-the-scenes perspective to make you rethink what really moves voters.