South Dakota State Rep. Peri Pourier has formally changed her voter registration from Democrat to Republican, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of the Mount Rushmore State. The move has left just five Democrats in the state’s House, with Republicans now holding a 65-to-5 majority. The decision has drawn attention for its implications on the political landscape and has become a topic of discussion in the broader context of national politics.
Pourier, who is an Oglala Lakota, stated that the change in party affiliation aligns with the core principles of the Republican Party, including tribal sovereignty, self-determination, economic prosperity, and public safety. Her decision was framed as a recognition of the party’s commitment to these values. The move has also been highlighted in the context of broader discussions about the impact of Democratic policies on Indigenous communities, with Pourier criticizing past efforts for undermining tribal sovereignty.
In her statement, Pourier referenced historical policies that she argued had undermined tribal sovereignty, particularly the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act, which replaced earlier federal policies that had been more coercive. She pointed to the act as a significant moment in the history of US Indigenous policy, arguing that it imposed a federal model that weakened Indian nationhood. Her comments have drawn attention to the ongoing impact of such policies on Indigenous communities and have raised questions about the broader implications of her political shift.
The switch of a prominent Democratic representative to the Republican Party has been noted as an important development in South Dakota’s political dynamic, with implications for the state’s legislative balance. Her move has also been compared to other recent political shifts, such as the case of a Kentucky Senate Democrat who recently switched parties to the GOP, marking another significant change in the political landscape.
As Pourier’s new affiliation takes effect, she has continued to emphasize the importance of electoral participation, particularly with regard to reproductive rights. In a 2022 Facebook post, she urged voters to cast their ballots early, stating that reproductive rights are on the line. The statement reflects her ongoing engagement with political and social issues, even as she navigates her new party affiliation.