Overview
- Pourier’s voter registration change from Democrat to Republican was confirmed by a county election official one day before a special session on a state prison construction plan.
- The shift leaves the House at 65 Republicans to 5 Democrats and the full Legislature at 97 Republicans to 8 Democrats.
- Pourier, an Oglala Lakota lawmaker from District 27, said Republican principles like decentralized government and self‑determination align with tribal sovereignty.
- House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach said she has been invited to the Republican caucus, and it remains unclear whether she will formally join it.
- Democratic leaders expressed disappointment and plan to revisit committee assignments, noting Pourier had been the only Democrat on House Judiciary last session.