
SOUTH DAKOTA DEMOCRATIC PARTY SUPPORTS DECISION TO HOLD DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION ONLINE
Sioux Falls, SD – June 25, 2020 The Democratic National Committee announced Wednesday that the party’s National Convention, originally planned for Milwaukee on August 17-20, would be held online due to events over the coronavirus.
“This is newly released information and so we are still working through the details. The convention will be still “anchored” in Milwaukee, but moved to a smaller venue, and all delegates/support team members should plan on conducting the meetings remotely. This is due to the increase of Covid-19 cases and the DNC and our commitment to keeping our people safe.” – Pam Cole, Executive Director
“Although we’re disappointed, we can’t all be together in Milwaukee, we take the health and safety of our members and the American people with the highest regard. The convention will still be hosted virtually from Milwaukee and Vice President Biden is committed to accepting the nomination from our convention city. Democrats will take part from across the country virtually. We had a great leadership meeting Wednesday evening and I look forward to seeing the convention recreated in a new, creative way. This is how innovation happens.” – Nikki Gronli, Vice Chair
The SDDP has 21 delegates to participate in the National Convention along with three District-level Alternates, three Standing Committee Members and three pages.
Chair Kellen Returns from Scout will also serve as the Delegation Chair.
Biden District-level Delegates: 1. Brooke Abdallah, Spearfish 2. Mark Anderson, Sioux Falls 3. Shalene Thompson, Lake Andes 4. Kellen Returns From Scout, Rapid City – Delegation Chair 5. Sydney Walker, Watertown 6. Connor Hansen, Sioux Falls 7. Linda Duba, Sioux Falls 8. Lyndon Hart, Flandreau
Sanders District-level Delegates: 9. Alexandra Fredericks 10. Remi Bald Eagle
Automatic Delegates: 11. Senator Tom Daschle – Former Majority Leader 12. SDDP Chair Randy Seiler 13. SDDP Vice Chair Nikki Gronli 14. National Committeewoman – Deb Knecht, Aberdeen 15. National Committeeman – Bill Walsh, Deadwood
At Large, Biden: 16. Rick Weiland, Sioux Falls 17. Tom Katus, Rapid City 18. Betty DeBerg, Sioux Falls
At Large, Sanders: 19. Amanda Fickes, Brookings
PLEO (Political Leader/Elected Official): 20. Jennifer Slaight-Hansen, Aberdeen 21. Boyd Gourneau, Lower Brule
District-level Alternates, Biden: Candice Brings Plenty, Porcupine John Solberg, Mitchell
District-level Alternate, Sanders: Clara Hart, Sioux Falls
Other Roles: Standing Committees: DNC Platform – Senator Troy Heinert, Mission DNC Credentials – Amanda Bachmann, Pierre DNC Rules – Amanda Fickes, Brookings
Pages: Courtney Merchant, Vermillion Carter Demaray, Yankton Jordan Smith, Whitewood
Newly Elected Officials/Candidates: Deb Knecht, Aberdeen, 2nd 4-year term as National Committeewoman Dennis Olson, Mitchell – 1st 4-year term as National Committeeman (takes office last day of National Convention) PUC Candidate: Remi Bald Eagle, Eagle Butte
Presidential Electors: Joseph Yracheta, Selby Nikki Gronli, Dell Rapids Randy Seiler, Ft. Pierre
With questions, please call Pam Cole, Executive Director. (605) 695-1996 or pam@sddp.org
###