A Democratic South Dakota state representative has changed her party registration to Republican, citing the party’s alignment with tribal sovereignty.
State Rep. Peri Pourier, who had served in the state’s lower chamber as a Democrat since 2019, leaves the state’s Democrats with just five members to 65 Republicans.
She called it a “strategic shift” in party affiliation in her Monday statement.
“I recognize this decision may spark questions, assumptions, and criticism,” Pourier wrote. “Change is always difficult, but when change comes it is always necessary.”
Pourier is a member of the Oglala, a subtribe of the Lakota people. She represents South Dakota’s 27th legislative district in the southwestern part of the state. Her district contains the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
In her statement, Pourier acknowledged the hardship the Oglala have faced and continuing problems such as addiction, violence, and “unresolved tragedies.”
“Meanwhile, the national political landscape has shifted dramatically,” Pourier wrote. “Federal policy is changing course, and local, state, and tribal governments are facing the consequences. Leaders who fail to adapt will leave their communities vulnerable. I refuse to be passive. I will not wait for permission to protect our children, our elders, and our homelands.”
Pourier said the Republican Party’s priorities “align with the principle of tribal sovereignty” and that “well-intentioned Democratic reforms have too often undermined sovereignty.”
“My decision reflects a strategic recalibration, one that strengthens my ability to advocate for our communities and deliver meaningful results,” Pourier concluded. “I will not explain away poverty and violence with rhetoric. I remain committed to confronting these issues directly — not someday, not when it becomes politically convenient, but now.”
South Dakota House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach previously said Pourier would be invited to the House Republican caucus meeting on Tuesday.
“We will benefit from her strong voice and unique perspective on issues, and her constituents will benefit from more exposure to Republican principles,” Odenbach told the South Dakota Searchlight. “It should be a win-win for everybody involved.”
House Minority Leader Erin Healy told the outlet that she believes Pourier will continue to “act on her values and principles” and hopes she will continue to represent the best interests of her constituents.
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State lawmakers switching parties is generally rare. An Oregon House Republican switched to the Democratic Party earlier this month, and a West Virginia state senator flipped to the Republican Party in May.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Pourier for comment but did not receive a response.
