Special Election Called for District 32 Democratic Leadership

The South Dakota Democratic Party has officially called a special election to fill vacancies in District 32 leadership.

In a letter addressed to Pennington County party leaders, State Party Chair Shane Merrill cited Article VI, Section 4, subsection B of the SDDP Constitution, which requires that vacancies in legislative district chair or vice chair positions be filled through a caucus called by the state party chair.

With both the District 32 Chair and Vice Chair positions currently vacant, Merrill announced that a special election will take place:

• Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2025

• Time: 7:00 PM

• Location: SDDP State Office, 402 St. Joseph Street, Rapid City

The caucus will include Democratic legislative candidates from the district in the last general election as well as precinct committeepersons and county party officers living within the district.

Joseph Zweifel, SDDP State Field Director, has been authorized to conduct the election and will report the results in writing to the State Chair.

If you have questions about the election process, you’re encouraged to reach out directly to Joseph Zweifel.

This meeting is a key moment for District 32 Democrats to organize, elect new leadership, and strengthen the party’s presence in Rapid City ahead of 2026.