South Dakota Democratic Party Leaders Visit the White House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 21, 2023

Last week, Democratic state party leaders were invited to the White House by President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

SDDP Chair Shane Merrill and Executive Director Dan Ahlers attended the White House Holiday Reception. Merrill says it was an honor of a lifetime.

“It was a really neat experience for a farm kid from Parker,” said Merrill. “When I got back involved with the state party last spring, I never could have dreamed an opportunity like this would present itself. I think it’s good for South Dakota as a whole to let the national folks know we are out here.

“We were able to meet some great folks from DC and push for the filling of the vacant judgeships,” continued Merrill. “Dan and I are working constantly on this issue. I also spoke with Vice President Kamala Harris and her aides in St. Louis in October about this important issue.”

“We were able to reconnect with Sen. Doug Jones who was our featured speaker earlier this year at McGovern Day,” said Ahlers. “I met with DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and visited about our progress and needs as a state party.”

Dan and his wife Amy also met actor Sean Astin, known for starring in movies such as The Goonies, Rudy and Lord of the Rings. Astin is also a mental health advocate. Following his mother’s death in 2016, he created a foundation to continue her work to make mental health guidance more accessible. “Access to mental health professionals in South Dakota is a real problem,” said Ahlers.

“President Biden shared his thanks and appreciation for the work we are doing in South Dakota. He highlighted his administration’s record investments in our country’s infrastructure, low unemployment, record job growth and lowering inflation.

“When you take a moment to reflect, we have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season,” Ahlers said.

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