It was farmers and teachers. Ranchers and union halls.
Red and blue, mixing long before cable news told us to pick a side.
South Dakota Was Never Just Red.
What does it mean to Turn South Dakota Purple?
This video lays it out.
Remember When Democrats Ran Things?
Before Reagan, before the red wave — South Dakota elected a guy named Kneip. And it wasn’t a fluke.
The Last Democratic Governor
In 1970, South Dakotans elected Richard Kneip, a dairy farmer turned governor. He didn’t just win — he changed how state government worked. Back then, Democrats weren’t just possible — they were powerful.
When the Capitol Opened Its Doors
In the 1970s, citizen voices got louder — because Democrats rewrote the rules. Committee meetings opened to the public. Agendas became transparent. Sunshine replaced smoke-filled rooms.
The Majority You Forgot
There was a time South Dakota had a Democratic majority — and it wasn’t by accident. Rural voters were organized. Labor showed up. And progressive ideas came from small towns, not out-of-state consultants.
Not Perfect. But Running Anyway.
Before Reagan, before the red wave — South Dakota elected a guy named Kneip. And it wasn’t a fluke.
He knows the Secretary of State’s job isn’t just paperwork — it’s power. Terrence wants to make elections fair, accessible, and accountable to voters, not politicians.
Terrence Davis –
Secretary of State
Nikki Gronli – U.S. House
Nikki’s been doing the unglamorous work of public service for years. She’s running for Congress because South Dakotans deserve someone who knows their struggles and fights like hell for them.
Billy grew up in Sioux Falls and built his career in health care, education, and community advocacy. He’s running for Congress to bring working-class perspective and real-world experience to Washington.
Billy Mawhiney – U.S. House
Julian’s a cop-turned-business-owner who understands what rural families are up against. He’s not afraid to challenge power — because he knows who actually deserves it.
Julian Beaudion – U.S. Senate
Who’s Behind This?
We’re not a party. We’re not a campaign. And we’re definitely not trying to go viral.
Turn South Dakota Purple is a political storytelling project run by South Dakotans — for South Dakotans.
We don’t tell people what to think. We just tell them what used to be.
How Did They Vote?
Not sure what your legislator has actually done lately? We’ve got the receipts.
Pull their record from the public archives and see who’s really siding with the people.
Want to mess with the default?
Join a few stubborn South Dakotans trying to change the conversation — one story at a time. Whether you’ve got a story, a tip, a correction, or a strong opinion — drop it here.