Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is probably developing ulcers as members of his party continue to defect over to the GOP. The latest such individual is state Rep. Peri Pourier of South Dakota who recently announced she would be joining her Republican colleagues, further tipping the scales against Democrats in Congress.
The announcement was made just one day before lawmakers were to gather and vote on a state prison construction plan. The switch gives Republicans in the South Dakota legislature a member count of 97, leaving only 8 Democrats. It’s the lowest number of Democrats in the Legislature since 1953, when there were only two.
Pourier represents South Dakota’s District 27, which stretches from just east of Rapid City to the Pine Ridge Reservation and includes several rural areas. The newly minted South Dakota Republican formerly served as a member of the Democratic House leadership team; however, she decided against caucusing with fellow party members during their most recent legislative session. Her district mate in the Senate, Red Dawn Foster, also did not caucus with Democrats during the session.
In both 2023 and 2024, Pourier served as minority whip in the House Democratic caucus, according to the South Dakota Searchlight. Pourier stated in a post published on Facebook that tribal sovereignty lines up with the GOP’s principles concerning decentralized government, economic prosperity, self-determination, lower energy costs, and public safety. She then compared those principles with “well-intentioned” reforms from Democrats who often put in place policies that undermine sovereignty.
“My decision reflects a strategic recalibration — one that strengthens my ability to advocate for our communities and deliver meaningful results,” Pourier wrote. “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.”
Soon after announcing her defection, Pourier was invited by House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach to attend the House Republican caucus meeting during a special session. “We will benefit from her strong voice and unique perspective on issues, and her constituents will benefit from more exposure to Republican principles,” Odenbach wrote in a text message. “It should be a win-win for everybody involved.”
The Facebook post did not indicate whether Pourier would participate in GOP caucus meetings or completely abstain from caucusing altogether as she did during the previous legislative session. Democratic House Minority Leader Erin Healy didn’t seem to be too upset by the switch, saying she believes Pourier will still “act on her values and principles,” and hopes the congresswoman will represent the best interests of her constituents.
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