Former DNC Chair Jaime Harrison to Keynote Democratic Roundup

Rapid City, SD — The South Dakota Democratic Party is proud to announce that Jaime Harrison, former Chair of the Democratic National Committee and founder of the Dirt Road Democrats PAC, will serve as the keynote speaker at this year’s Democratic Roundup. Harrison will step in on behalf of current DNC Chair Ken Martin, who is unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.

Harrison is a nationally recognized Democratic leader and strategist with a distinguished record of service. He served as Chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2021 to 2025, where he focused on strengthening grassroots infrastructure and expanding Democratic outreach nationwide. Prior to that, he made history as the first African American Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party and served as a senior aide to Congressman Jim Clyburn as well as Executive Director of the House Democratic Caucus.

In addition to his leadership roles within the party, Harrison is the founder of the Dirt Road Democrats PAC, an organization dedicated to building Democratic infrastructure and engaging rural voters across the country. Through this work, he has helped Democrats invest in long-term organizing strategies to compete in every community, no matter how small or remote.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jaime Harrison to South Dakota as our keynote speaker,” said Shane Merrill, SDDP Chair. “His experience, vision, and ongoing commitment to growing our party’s reach make him an inspiring voice for Democrats here and across the nation.”

The Democratic Roundup will take place on September 27th at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Rapid City. The event brings together party leaders, grassroots organizers, and Democratic supporters from across the state to celebrate successes, strategize for the future, and energize efforts leading into the next election cycle.

For more information about the event, visit SDDP.org or contact Executive Director Dan Ahlers at dan@sddp.org.

Jaime Harrison, former DNC Chair

Paid for by the South Dakota Democratic Party | www.sddp.org