Podcast: What South Dakota’s blue ‘ripple’ means for the state Democratic Party
Nov 06, 2026 | 10:21 am ET
Description
Shane Merrill, chair of the South Dakota Democratic Party, speaks at the party's election night watch party in downtown Sioux Falls on Nov. 3, 2026. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)
Though they didn’t win any statewide seats, South Dakota Democrats gained ground in the Legislature after Tuesday’s election for the first time since 2008, bringing their numbers from eight to 12 out of 105 total legislators.
Shane Merrill, the state party’s chair, joined the Searchlight Report podcast to talk about what the legislative wins mean for the state party and how it can use the momentum it’s getting from the blue “ripple” in South Dakota, as compared to the “tsunami” that swept Democrats into power in Congress.
Plus, hear from longtime South Dakota journalist Kevin Woster, who spent decades covering the Legislature. He breaks down how the Democratic numbers got so low and where the party could go after Tuesday’s wins.
Click here to access a transcript for this episode.
Pierre, SD
