South Dakota legislator Taffy Howard dives into U.S. House race

October 12, 2021

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota state Rep. Taffy Howard has formally announced that she is challenging Dusty Johnson, the state’s lone U.S. congressman, in next year’s Republican primary.

Howard will try to capitalize on a shift within the Republican party that is largely based on loyalty to former President Donald Trump.

She has positioned herself to the political right of Johnson, a popular incumbent who has held the seat for three years.

Howard has echoed Trump’s claims of widespread voter fraud and has criticized Johnson for voting to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election.