SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Tim Johnson, a centrist who served as South Dakota’s last Democratic statewide officeholder, has passed away at the age of 77. Known for his ability to bring in vital federal funding for local projects during his nearly 30 years in Washington, Johnson died on Tuesday night following complications from a recent stroke, as confirmed by family friend Steve Hildebrand. He was with family at the time of his passing.
Johnson’s family expressed his belief in collaboration, stating, “Tim always quipped that neither the left, nor the right, had a monopoly on all of the good ideas, but that working together, we can find common ground for the good of our country. In his work and life, Tim showed us never to give up.” This resilience was notably demonstrated in 2006 when he experienced significant health challenges. Just a month after Democrats regained control of the Senate, he was struck by a life-threatening brain hemorrhage during a media call, which led to emergency surgery and prompted much speculation in Washington.
Despite the severity of his condition, Johnson made a remarkable recovery and returned to Congress nine months later, demonstrating both physical limitations and mental acuity. He light-heartedly reintroduced himself during his first media call post-surgery, highlighting his determination to continue serving.
Born into a family with deep roots in South Dakota, Johnson was recognized for his steady demeanor and unpredictable voting patterns. He secured significant federal funding for various projects in the state, including support for the University of South Dakota’s medical science initiative. However, his independent thought process often led him to cross party lines on critical votes; he supported measures against late-term abortions and flag desecration, as well as the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito.
One of his most significant moments came in 2002 when he reluctantly voted to authorize military action in Iraq, motivated by his personal connection as his son, Brooks, was deployed as a staff sergeant in the 101st Airborne Division. “I said on the Senate floor that it’s very likely I would be sending my own son into combat,” Johnson recalled, reflecting the difficult but principled decision he faced.
Drey Samuelson, Johnson’s long-serving chief of staff, emphasized the former senator’s ability to connect with both sides of the aisle, stating, “He saw himself as the congressman or senator from South Dakota, regardless of people’s party.” Johnson was known for his dry sense of humor, often noted to contrast his reserved demeanor. He once pointed out, “I know I get a rap as this sort of dour Scandinavian, but I think that we Scandinavians have a sense of humor, too.”
After a significant health scare in late 2006, Johnson faced concerns that he might be incapacitated, thus allowing South Dakota’s Republican governor to appoint a Republican successor. Nonetheless, Johnson made his comeback publicly in September 2007 using a scooter, garnering support from fans and peers as he returned to his Senate duties.
In 2013, with the political landscape swinging towards the Republican side in South Dakota, he announced his retirement, noting that the increasingly partisan environment made bipartisan compromise harder to achieve. “We have lost our way,” he stated during his farewell address in December 2014.
Tim Johnson was born in Canton, South Dakota, and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota, where he met his wife, Barbara Brooks. He also secured a master’s in public administration and a law degree from the same institution. After establishing a law practice, he entered politics in 1978, serving four years in both the South Dakota House and Senate before joining Congress.
Johnson won a close election to South Dakota’s lone U.S. House seat in 1986, transitioning to the Senate in 1996. He was reelected in 2002, narrowly beating Republican challenger John Thune by just over 500 votes. Thune remarked, “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.”
In his memory, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff. Tim Johnson is survived by his wife and three children: Brooks, Brendan, a lawyer in Sioux Falls, and Kelsey, who works in public service in Washington. Both Johnson and his wife faced battles with cancer, with Tim undergoing treatment for prostate cancer in 2004 while Barb overcame breast cancer.
