Timothy P. Johnson, who served in the State House, State Senate, U.S. House, and U.S. Senate, died last night, on October 8, 2024 at the age of 77.
Johnson’s obituary in The Dakota Scout, by longtime SD political reporter Jonathan Ellis, is outstanding, as is Seth Tupper’s obituary for South Dakota Searchlight. Tom Lawrence has written a nice tribute to Johnson at South Dakota Standard, and Johnson’s official obituary has been posted here. Johnson is also the subject of obituaries in the New York Times and the Washington Post.
As this blog has previously noted, Tim Johnson career in state and federal elected office – spanning 36 years – is the longest in South Dakota history. Remarkably for a Democrat in a Republican state, Johnson never lost an election, beginning with four state legislative terms, five terms in the U.S. House, and three terms in the U.S. Senate. He is also the only three-term U.S. Senator from South Dakota to retire voluntarily; Peter Norbeck died in office, and George McGovern, Larry Pressler, and Tom Daschle all lost their bids for fourth terms.
Johnson’s political career began when he was elected to the State House from Vermillion in 1978; after two terms, he was elected to the State Senate in 1982. In 1986, Johnson ran for the U.S. House seat being vacated by incumbent Tom Daschle, who was running for the U.S. Senate. Johnson was initially an underdog in the Democratic primary, but he prevailed narrowly over fellow State Senator Jim Burg, and then won in November against Republican Dale Bell. Johnson was reelected easily four times, and in 1996 he successfully challenged U.S. Senator Larry Pressler. Johnson’s closest election came six years later, when he was challenged for a second term by Congressman John Thune. He prevailed in that election by only 524 votes, or 0.15% of the votes cast. Johnson’s career ran in tandem with that of fellow Democrat Tom Daschle; the two served in Congress together from 1987-2005. While Daschle rose in the ranks of Senate leadership, Johnson delivered for South Dakota on the Senate Appropriations Committee and eventually chaired the Senate Banking Committee.
In late 2006, Johnson suffered stroke-like symptoms while on a press call, caused by a congenital defect. This left Johnson with impaired speech and mobility, requiring him to use a motorized wheel chair. Despite that, Johnson ran for reelection in 2008, handily winning a third term. He did not seek reelection in 2014, retiring to Sioux Falls.
Johnson is the most recent Democrat to serve South Dakota in statewide office; his reelection victory in 2008 is the most recent statewide win by a Democrat, coming in the same year as fellow Democrat Stephanie Herseth Sandlin was reelected to the U.S. House.
Johnson is the latest in a string of prominent South Dakota Democrats who have passed away in the past couple of years. Since October 2022, South Dakota has lost Harvey Wollman, Jim Abourezk, Jack Billion, Randy Seiler, Jim Beddow, Gene Lebrun, Kenneth Stofferahn, and Jim Burg.
Drey Samuelson, who was Johnson’s only chief of staff during his 28-year career in Congress, wrote the following tribute, which was posted on Facebook by fellow Johnson staffer Steve Hildebrand:
It’s with great sadness that I write these words: our former boss, our good friend, Tim Johnson, has departed this life.
He died a few hours ago, surrounded by his family, but also surrounded by the love and admiration that all of us have felt for him for many years.
When it became was obvious a few days ago that this was the journey that Tim was about to go on, I wrote the following message to Barb:
“It’s hard to imagine someone living a life more meaningful and impactful than Tim’s–and, in the end, impact and meaning are the best that any of us can hope to achieve. Tim succeeded in reaching those goals way beyond what I’m sure were his wildest dreams when he was a young man. But that success obviously doesn’t make saying goodbye to him any easier, I know, and there’s nothing that anyone can say that will help that, much as I wish otherwise.”
And it’s also true that few people have been impacted more directly than those of us who had the pleasure and privilege to work both with and for Tim, as I’m sure all of us realize. I know from talking to them that Tim and Barb regarded one of the highlights of their service as having given a start to the careers of so many wonderful people, doing so many important things.
Many people on the outside will not consider–or even be aware–of that accomplishment, but there’s no doubt that he considered it one of the most significant of his career, and I’m sure that everyone of us will agree.
As I wrote, there’s nothing easy about saying goodbye to someone we loved and admired so much, but the truth is that Tim Johnson will live on in our hearts forever, and he will also live on in the lives that we touch ourselves, in the days to come.
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered that flags in South Dakota be flown at half-staff, immediately and until Senator Johnson’s interment, and she issued the following statement: “I worked with Tim Johnson and appreciated that his heart was for the people of South Dakota. He was a true servant. On behalf of the State of South Dakota, our prayers go out to his entire family.”
In addition, Johnson has been memorialized by several other South Dakota leaders:
Former U.S. Senator Tom Daschle (in an interview with KELOLAND News): “His partnership, his friendship, his sense of humor, his commitment to public service, inspired me and I think made me a better senator.”
Former U.S. Senator Larry Pressler (in Tupper’s obituary): “Tim Johnson was a great South Dakotan, and I debated him several times, and he was always fair and polite in debates. South Dakota has a lost a great man.”
U.S. Senator John Thune: “Kimberley and I join all South Dakotans in mourning the loss of former Senator Tim Johnson. Known for his tenacity and work ethic, Tim was a steadfast leader who dedicated his life to serving the people of South Dakota with integrity and compassion. He fought tirelessly for rural America and leaves a legacy that will have a lasting impact for years to come. We are praying for Barbara and their entire family and know that Tim’s remarkable life will continue to inspire future generations.”
U.S. Senator Mike Rounds: “Tim Johnson served his home state of South Dakota in public office for more than 35 years, including in the Senate seat that I now hold. His love for South Dakota was undeniable. His loss will be felt across the state, but particularly by his wife Barbara and family. Praying for Tim’s family and all who knew and loved him.”
Congressman Dusty Johnson: “Senator Tim Johnson worked hard for South Dakota and America for decades. I’m saddened to hear of his passing and am praying for his family and loved ones.”
Former Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (in an interview with KELOLAND News): “I think South Dakotans and Americans will remember Tim Johnson for being serious about the business of being a voice for South Dakotans, for working across the aisle, for seeking progress through listening well, understanding the implications and making arguments and persuading colleagues.”
South Dakota Democratic Party: “All of us at the SD Democratic Party are heartbroken by the passing of former Sen. Tim Johnson. He embodied what it means to be a public servant by improving infrastructure, agriculture and healthcare. He worked hard everyday for all South Dakotans. He will be greatly missed.”
In addition, KELOLAND News has posted longer interviews about Johnson with Senator Daschle and Senator Pressler, and another story that includes interviews with Senator Thune, Senator Rounds, and Congressman Johnson about their memories of Tim Johnson.
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