Biden announced as keynote speaker for South Dakota Democratic event

Former President Joe Biden will serve as the keynote speaker for the South Dakota Democratic Party’s annual McGovern Day Dinner on June 5, 2026, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The South Dakota Democratic Party announced the appearance on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The event, which is the party’s largest annual fundraiser, is held to honor the late U.S. Senator George McGovern. This year’s dinner will take place at the Ramkota Exhibit Hall.

Shane Merrill, the chair of the South Dakota Democratic Party, described the upcoming visit as a significant event for the organization.

“It is an absolute privilege to welcome President Biden to South Dakota, especially during such a critical time for our country,” Merrill said. “This is a historic moment for McGovern Day.”

The 24th annual event will feature several other speakers alongside the former president, including gubernatorial candidate Dan Ahlers, U.S. House candidate Nikki Gronli, and U.S. Senate candidate Julian Beaudion.

The schedule for the June 5 event includes a meet-and-greet beginning at 6 p.m., with doors opening to the general public at 6:30 p.m. The dinner is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event are priced at $125 and are available for purchase through the party’s website until May 25, 2026.

Honoring George McGovern

The dinner serves as a tribute to George McGovern, the 1972 Democratic presidential nominee. Joe Biden maintained a close friendship with McGovern, whom he referred to as "The Father of the Democratic Party."

Biden has previously commended McGovern for his forceful stand against the Vietnam War and his efforts to make the Democratic Party more inclusive of minorities and women.

The event follows a record-breaking turnout from the previous year. The most recent McGovern Day dinner welcomed 1,000 guests to the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, where former Minnesota Governor and Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz served as the keynote speaker.

Presidential History in South Dakota

This visit marks the first time Joe Biden has returned to South Dakota since 2012, when he traveled to the state to speak at George McGovern’s funeral.

The state has hosted several other former and sitting presidents over the decades. According to records of presidential visits to South Dakota, these include:

• Donald Trump in 2020
• Barack Obama in 2015
• George W. Bush in 2002
• Bill Clinton on multiple trips
• Ronald Reagan in 1986
• Gerald Ford during the 1970s
• John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon during the 1960s