SD Democratic Lawmakers Visit White House for Holiday Reception

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 12, 2023

Last week, South Dakota Democratic Sen. Reynold Nesiba and Rep. Oren Lesmeister, along with their wives Erika and Tracy, were invited by President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden to a Holiday Reception at the White House.

Both said they were in awe of the holiday decorations as well as the military band that played during the event. Rep. Lesmeister says it was one of the greatest highlights of his legislative career so far.

“Once inside I found myself staring more and more at the architecture and the paintings and pictures on the walls of former presidents and first ladies, and thinking to myself about how many world leaders have been in the same area I was standing in,” said Rep. Lesmeister.

The two met with several state and tribal officials from across the country, including the former Democratic Governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe. Rep. Lesmeister and his wife Tracy were even able to get a selfie with President Biden.

“President Biden’s main message was simply ‘thank you’,” said Sen. Nesiba. “He said that city, county, state and tribal leaders are on the front line of meeting constituent needs. The President said he wanted the federal government to ‘be helpful, not hurtful’ in helping us do the work we do.”

For questions, you may contact Dan at dan@sddp.org or contact the state party office by phone at 605-271-5405 or 605-940-3071.

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