Led with the words of Sičangu Lakota influencer and activist Chante Reddest, South Dakota State Party Chair Shane Merrill delivered his party’s unanimous 20 votes to nominate Kamala Harris for President of the United States of America.
Tuesday (Aug. 20, 2024) was filled with caucuses as South Dakota delegates heard from Vice Presidential Nominee Tim Walz and key Democratic leaders from across the country. Then in the evening, the delegation joined a historic roll call vote to confirm the nomination of Kamala Harris for President amidst an energetic crowd with tens of millions viewers watching on TV and online. In line with the diverse representation of the South Dakota delegation, the state’s roll call began with Chante Reddest greeting the crowd in Lakota and reminding the nation that the Seven Council Fires are still here. Then, Chair Shane Merrill spoke to the crowd about South Dakota’s “infinite variety,” acknowledging the party’s commitment to agriculture, Tribal Nations and natural resources before casting all 20 votes of our delegation’s votes to nominate Kamala Harris for President.
The remaining speakers and programming of the evening focused on casting a “Bold Vision for America’s Future.” This includes highlighting the commitment of a Harris-Walz administration to economic opportunity, personal freedom, and an America that includes rather than divides. This is in stark contrast over the dangerous outcomes of a Trump-Vance Project 2025 America. South Dakota’s delegation had the opportunity to hear from Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and former President Barack Obama. Last night’s message was clear: VOTE!
“I was captivated by the energy that was brought to the evening, starting with the roll call and concluding with former President Barack Obama’s speech,” said South Dakota Delegate Captain Julian Beaudion. “I am honored to be a part of the delegation that is making history by nominating Kamala Harris to be the first Black and South Asian woman to be President. It was inspiring to hear from voices of the past engaging with the Democratic Party in new, hopeful ways, creating a beautiful connection between past, present, and future leadership of our country.”
Also during the events Tuesday night, Fort Pierre resident and former South Dakota Democratic Party State Chair Randy Seiler was among those honored during Patti LaBelle’s tribute for the Democratic leaders, activists and legislators recently lost. Seiler died last year (April 17, 2023).
South Dakota democrats attending the national convention are:
- Julian Beaudion, Sioux Falls
- Linda Duba, Sioux Falls
- Leslie Gerrish, Vermillion
- Peggy Gibson, Huron
- Mohamed Mohamed, Sioux Falls
- BJ Motley, Sioux Falls
- Erik Muckey, Sioux Falls
- Emirra Means, Rapid City
- Kellen Returns From Scout, Rapid City
- Erin Royer, Sioux Falls
- Suzi Larson, Hudson
- Donn Larson, Hudson
- Larry Olsen, Davis
- Frank Kloucek, Scotland
- Nikki Gronli, Dell Rapids
- Kameron Nelson, Sioux Falls
- Zach Ludens, Rapid City
- Reynold Nesiba, Sioux Falls
- Dennis Olson, Huron
- Deb Knecht, Houghton
- Shane Merrill, Parker
- Jessica Meyers, Sioux Falls
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