A week to remember: South Dakota Democrats recount experiences during Democratic National Convention
The South Dakota Democratic Party delegation (which provided the photo above of delegate Chante Reddest, who spoke in both Lakota and English, announcing that the South Dakota delegation cast its 20 votes for Kamala Harris) to the 2024 Democratic National Convention provided regular updates on its week in Chicago. Here are the daily reports:
Monday, Aug. 19
South Dakota’s delegates to the Democratic National Convention have arrived in Chicago, beginning a week filled with activity and energy that will launch into the 2024 presidential election.
South Dakota’s delegates are part of a group of 4,567 delegates nationally coming to the convention, which will run from Monday, Aug. 19, through Thursday, Aug. 22. Sunday evening, the DNC hosted a big welcome party for delegates at Navy Pier, entertaining everyone with local food and music.
Today, the delegates will join an anticipated 50,000 people at the first-ever “DemPalooza” at McCormick Place, which includes a slate of training, panels, and programming hosted by the DNC and Harris-Walz campaign. Programming will focus on equipping Democratic leaders across the country with tools for effective messaging, polling briefings, and skills for community building.
McCormick Place will play host to 33 council and caucus meetings during the week. Today, South Dakota delegates are expected to attend the Black Caucus, Native American Caucus, LGBTQ+ Caucus, Small Business Council, and the Labor Council, reflecting the “infinite variety” of the South Dakota delegation and its representation of all walks of life in our state.
The Democratic National Convention officially gavels in this evening inside the United Center, focusing on a theme of “For the People.” Speeches and programming will highlight the results that President Joe Biden has delivered for the American people and Kamala Harris’ commitment to working for everyday people across the country. President Joe Biden is expected to give remarks, as well as First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will also welcome delegates.
“The goal of our delegation to the Democratic National Convention is to make sure rural, less populous states like South Dakota have a voice at the table as we create a party platform and influence future policy,” said District 15 House candidate Erik Muckey, who is serving as the South Dakota delegation’s communications captain. “Our delegation embodies the state’s moniker— ‘and of infinite variety’ — by showing just how widely diverse Democratic representation is across our state. We are excited and ready to share South Dakota’s voice on the national stage.”
Tuesday, Aug. 20
The South Dakota delegation to the Democratic National Convention joined thousands of fellow delegates and attendees inside the United Center to honor President Biden’s record of delivering for every South Dakotan and American.
Throughout the day, South Dakota delegates attended a wide variety of caucus and council meetings as well as training for messaging and campaigns. Then, the United Center came alive with speeches about hope, joy, resilience and a powerful future. The South Dakota delegation heard from everyday Americans about the life-changing policies of the Biden-Harris administration and why they’re supporting the Harris-Walz ticket to continue building on that historic record.
They also got a surprise visit from Vice President Harris, which electrified the crowd. Then, when Hillary Clinton took the stage, the entire arena cheered as loudly as they could. The night wrapped up with emotional speeches from First Lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden, as everyone in attendance chanted “Thank you Joe” and “We love Joe.”
“The first day of Democratic National Convention was nothing short of magical,” said Clay County Democratic Party Chair Leslie Gerrish, who is serving as the South Dakota delegate whip. “The South Dakota delegation is united in our support of the Harris-Walz ticket, and we are thrilled to continue to strengthen our relationships with Democratic party leaders across the country. We are determined to bring back this amazing energy and elect Democrats across the state in November.”
Tuesday, South Dakota delegates are expected to attend the Women’s Caucus, Rural Council, Disability Caucus, Youth Council, Veterans & Military Families Council, and the Interfaith Council, continuing our commitment to represent our state’s diverse lived experiences.
Tonight, will be the roll call vote to elect Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the President of the United States. Shane Merrill, Chair of the South Dakota Democratic Party, will confirm the delegation’s unanimous support for Harris. Tonight’s theme is “A Bold Vision for America’s Future,” highlighting a policy agenda that gives every American the opportunity not just to get by, but to get ahead. Anticipated speakers include former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Second Gentlemen Doug Emhoff, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who has direct ties to South Dakota.
Wednesday, Aug. 21
Led with the words of Sičangu Lakota influencer and activist Chante Reddest, South Dakota State Party Chair Shane Merrill delivered our delegation’s unanimous 20 votes to nominate Kamala Harris for president of the United States of America.
Tuesday was filled with impactful caucuses as South Dakota delegates heard from Vice Presidential Nominee Tim Walz and key Democratic leaders from across the country. Then in the evening, our 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, our 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 our 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 last night’s convention, South Dakota State Party Chair Randy Seiler, who died last year, was honored during Patti LaBelle’s moving tribute for the Democratic leaders, activists and legislatures we’ve recently lost.
Today, South Dakota delegates continue to engage in training, education, and networking with leaders and fellow delegates from across the country, representing South Dakota in the Black Caucus, Native American Caucus, LGBTQ+ Caucus, Small Business Council, and the Labor Council. With the emphasis on organizing and building momentum for the months ahead, South Dakota’s delegation is capturing the moment and bringing tangible skills back to help candidates up and down the ballot this November.
Thursday, Aug. 22
The South Dakota delegation was proud to celebrate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's acceptance of the nomination for vice president on the Democratic ticket.
Introduced by Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former students at Mankato West High School, Gov. Walz highlighted his background as a service member, teacher, hunter, coach, and public servant. Born in Butte, Neb., — just seven miles from the South Dakota border — Walz related to the American people about why his small-town, Midwestern roots were vital to the role of vice president, especially the ability to “compromise without compromising values.”
Wednesday was a star-studded night with guests Oprah Winfrey, Maren Morris, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, and poet Amanda Gorman. Speakers highlighted the record of both Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Walz when it comes to personal freedoms, economic opportunity, and connection to community. Speakers included Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Govs. Josh Shapiro and Wes Moore, United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and former President Bill Clinton.
“Gov. Walz receiving the vice presidential nomination will have a huge impact on rural states,” said South Dakota State Party Vice Chair and delegation chair Jessica Meyers. “He comes from a rural community and understands the impact Federal money provides in rural states. Walz will be an ally to our farmers and ranchers because he has all of the experience required for the job.”
Today, South Dakota delegates will attend their final caucus and council meetings, including a strong presence at the Rural Caucus and Youth Councils. As the delegates and the country tune in to hear Vice President Kamala Harris accept the nomination for President, the theme inside the United Center is “For Our Future” — an evening of sharing Harris’ vision for a brighter future for all Americans.
Friday, Aug. 23
DNC delegates are now on their way home, bringing back the energy and excitement that tens of thousands of people witnessed in Chicago this past week. Here are statements from DNC delegation leadership following Thursday night's historic moment as Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepted the nomination as the Democratic candidate for president.
Julian Beaduion, delegate captain: “The impact of Kamala Harris accepting the nomination for president of the United States goes beyond imagery and representation. Her acceptance speech was full of substance and policy which proves that she is changing the landscape of the entire party. She isn’t falling in line with the policies of old, and is instead getting people excited for her vision for the future of America. We will begin to see engagement in South Dakota grow and that makes me excited as we move closer to our goal of becoming a more balanced government.”
Erik Muckey, communication captain: “I deeply appreciated hearing Vice President Kamala Harris’ vision last night. She delivered her plan with clarity and tangible actions that can positively impact every South Dakotan. Her desire to serve country above party is exactly what we need at this moment in our state and nation’s history.”
Leslie Gerrish, delegation whip: “It was an incredible honor to serve as a delegate at this historic convention. I am excited to take back this enthusiasm and joy to South Dakota to elect more Democratic leaders across our state. I cannot wait to vote for our future president Kamala Harris and Vice President Tim Walz.”
Shane Merrill, South Dakota Democratic Party chair: “It was an amazing night and I was so proud to be able to stand with other Democrats as we made history! Now it’s time to heed Michelle Obama’s words and DO SOMETHING.”
Jessica Meyers, delegate chair and South Dakota Democratic Party vice chair: “Last night was history in the making. We were able to watch Vice President Harris lay out the policies she will focus on that will help grow the economy from the bottom up and the middle out, creating more opportunities for everyone. It was an honor to be part of this week representing South Dakota.”
To learn more about the Democratic National Convention, visit www.DemConvention.com.
You can contact and get information about the South Dakota Democratic Party at https://sddp.org/
