State Dems vote to sack Slaight-Hansen

Embattled party chair accused of violating state party constitution and creating hostile work environment

Members of the South Dakota Democratic Party debate a measure to recall former state party Chair Jennifer Slaight-Hansen. (Austin Goss/The Dakota Scout)

FORT PIERRE – The South Dakota Democratic Party’s central committee voted without a single dissenter Saturday to remove party Chair Jennifer Slaight-Hansen, just over four months into her tenure. 

The embattled state party chair has faced allegations of violating the state party’s constitution, and creating a hostile work environment. 

Other than a couple of party members who voted to abstain, over 50 delegates both online and in person voted unanimously to remove the Aberdeen native. 

Annie Bachand, Pennington County party chair, spoke first in favor of removing Slaight-Hansen. 

Annie Bachand, Pennington County Democratic Party chair, talks with Liz Renner of Stanley County after delivering remarks in favor of removing Slaight-Hansen. (Austin Goss/The Dakota Scout)

“This is not a personal matter, this is a leadership matter,” Bachand said, noting that she voted in favor of moving Slaight-Hansen from the vice chair to chair position in February. 

RELATED: State Democratic chair defiant against resignation calls

Both party leadership and state lawmakers have appeared to be particularly bristled by the way that Slaight-Hansen allegedly treated both interns and others active in the party. Speakers at the Drifter’s convention center accused Slaight-Hansen of having used one of the party’s interns as a personal driver of hers, without consent or permission from the party’s executive board.

“What seems important to me is the executive board has lost faith,” said Sen. Reynold Nesiba. “She can't appoint staff or spend any money… She can’t even set an agenda at meetings. There is no way forward (for her) as the chair.”

Slaight-Hansen and an individual she identified as her attorney were neither present nor spoke at the meeting. Additionally, Slaight-Hansen did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Dakota Scout. 

While proponents of the recall managed to use all of a 10-minute period devoted to allowing each side to make their arguments, only a few opponents rose to speak, raising questions specifically about the process and previous party management.

“(I think) there has been staff ineffectiveness that Jennifer was trying to change,” said former gubernatorial candidate Susan Wismer. Wismer later voted to remove Slaight-Hansen.

Slaight-Hansen had previously indicated that she intended to challenge the results of the recall if removed.

Under rules adopted, she’ll have seven days to do so. 

“The meeting today was called correctly, there were steps taken to make sure this was handled appropriately,” said Minnehaha County Party Chair Erik Muckey.

The reins of the state’s minority party are now in the hands of Shane Merrill, a farmer from Parker. He slides up until an election to solidify the chairmanship is held next month.

“This has been a long, difficult process“ Merrill said. He told The Dakota Scout he is still deciding whether he will seek permanent election to the chair spot next month. “But I am feeling hopeful and rejuvenated moving forward.”

Shane Merrill will serve as interim chair of the state Democratic Party. He moved up after serving as vice-chair under Slaight-Hansen. (Austin Goss/The Dakota Scout)

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