Despite not winning a statewide race since 2008, South Dakota Democractic Party leaders feel optimistic
Part 2 of 2.
South Dakota Democrats haven’t had a lot of reasons to smile in more than a decade.
They last won a statewide election in 2008, when Sen. Tim Johnson and Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin were re-elected. Since then, nothing but losses, and most of them in noncompetitive races.
But the past isn’t always prologue to the future. Things can and do change.
That’s why about 1,000 people were in a good mood at the Sioux Falls Convention Center for the South Dakota Democratic Party’s annual McGovern Day on Saturday night. They gathered to hear Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic candidate for vice president, speak and to express a feeling of hope.
SDDP Executive Director Dan Ahlers was busy before the dinner began as a horde of people came into the center, mingled and chatted before entering the sold-out ballroom for dinner and speeches.
“Based on what we’ve heard, this is the largest we’ve had,” Ahlers said of the turnout.
He said Democrats are excited and feeling a resurgence of their party. Bringing Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice-presidential candidate and a popular figure nationally, helped swell the crowd, Ahlers said.
He is preparing for 2026, when South Dakota will select a United States senator, a member of Congress, governor and lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, attorney general, state auditor, state treasurer, commissioner of public schools and lands, public utilities commissioner and 105 legislative seats, 35 in the state Senate and 70 in the state House of Representatives, along with numerous county and local offices.
Ahlers said unlike recent years, when Democrats failed to field candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, as well as for other offices, this year there are many people interested in running.
“We’re finding that with candidate recruitment,” he said.
There will be competition for some jobs, Ahlers said, with a surfeit of candidates for the same office.
“I think it’s a good problem to have,” he said.
Party Chair Shane Merrill was also in a positive mood Saturday.
“One of the biggest we’ve had,” Merrill said as the crowd gathered.
He said Walz was a major reason for the strong response, along with optimism that Democrats are gaining support from voters in the state and across the country. Many of the policies and practices of the Trump administration are proving to be very unpopular.
“Both, I think,” Merrill said. “Good speakers always bring a crowd.”
Kelcey Schroeder of Sioux Falls volunteered to work at McGovern Day, named for George McGovern, who built the party in the 1950s when it was even weaker than it has been in the last decade. Yes, they’ve been here before.
McGovern recruited candidates, boosted voter registration and became the symbol of the SDDP. He was elected to two terms in the House of Representatives and three in the Senate.
McGovern ran for president in 1968, 1972 and 1984, earning the Democratic nomination in 1972. His name is still magic for South Dakota Democrats, but they want to build their own legacy.
Schroeder, originally from Sibley, Iowa, took photos of people standing in front of a Democratic backdrop. She said she was eager to help in any way possible.
“I just want to support the party and get our country back on track,” Schroeder said.
Wayne and Mary Boots of Custer and their friends Sheila and Don Aaker of Brandon said they are excited about the state party and feel it is on the right track. The large turnout at rallies and protests against Trump this year indicate a growing dissatisfaction, Mary Boots said.
“I feel like we are doing good things,” she said. “Trying to fix the problems.”
Mary said Democrats support human rights, voting rights and workers’ rights. That can help forge a coalition to build support and win elections.
They are very aware of the struggles Democratic candidates have had in recent years, and said they aren’t expecting an immediate change. But they feel a sense of hope emerging.
“We always want to be positive about that,” Sheila Aaker said. “We’re going to try.”
“We know how bad the voting has been,” Mary Boots said. “We’ve got to get some Democrats in there. The majority of people are not happy.”
“We need a change,” Shelia said.
State Sen. Jamie Smith of Sioux Falls, who served in the South Dakota House of Representatives and was the party’s 2022 gubernatorial candidate, said he senses a change in the wind as well.
“I think there’s a buzz in the air we haven’t had for years,” Smith said.
He is leaving Pierre to run for mayor of the state’s largest city in June 2026. Smith said since running for governor, he has sought a position where he could use his skills and experience to benefit others.
“I want to find a spot where I fit best,” he said.
Fourth-generation South Dakotan Tom Lawrence has written for several newspapers and websites in South Dakota and other states for four decades. He has contributed to The New York Times, NPR, The London Telegraph, The Daily Beast and other media outlets. Do not republish without permission.
Photo: South Dakota Democratic Party Executive Director Dan Ahlers and Vice Chair Jessica Meyers greeted people arriving at the annual events. Photo by Tom Lawrence
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