South Dakota Republican Party blocks journalist from attending Thune and Mullin speeches
RAPID CITY — The South Dakota Republican Party blocked media including Searchlight from attending speeches by U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Thursday night during the party’s state convention.
South Dakota Searchlight completed an online registration days ago and received an email reply granting permission to attend. The party’s state convention started Thursday and lasts through Saturday at The Monument events center in Rapid City.
An FAQ page on the party’s convention website includes the question, “Is there a place for press in Rushmore Hall and Lacroix?” The answer says, “Yes. There are areas set aside for the press in both rooms.” Thune and Mullin spoke in Rushmore Hall. The page also says reporters can apply for credentials.
Pennington County Republican Chairwoman Amy Wagner replied within minutes of receiving Searchlight’s form submission Saturday, writing in an email, “That opportunity is available. There will be a press box in both rooms. You will need to check in at the registration desk to get a press pass.”
https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/06/25/south-dakota-republican-party-blocks-journalist-from-attending-thune-and-mullin-speeches/