Government South Dakota Republican Party blocks journalist from attending Thune and Mullin speeches By: Seth Tupper – June 25, 2026 10:11 pm A view through the window of a closed door as U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin speaks to the South Dakota Republican Sta te Convention on June 25, 2026, at The Monument events center in Rapid City. South Dakota Searchlight completed an online press registration form and received a confirmation email but was denied entrance to speeches by Mullin and U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight) 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 (June 25, 2026) 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. A sign outside Rushmore Hall at The Monument events center in Rapid City advertises a keynote speech by U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota. Party officials denied South Dakota Searchlight entrance to the speech after Searchlight completed an online press registration form and received a confirmation email. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight) 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.” At the event, Searchlight showed several party officials the email confirming permission to attend, and spoke with Wagner and other party officials and officeholders. Several said they were having problems with other people who registered as media but weren’t from what the state party considers legitimate outlets. Wagner apologized to Searchlight and said, “I didn’t realize that they weren’t going to allow press tonight.” Wagner said it was the decision of “the chairman,” a reference to State Party Chairman Jim Eschenbaum. Eschenbaum did not immediately respond to a text message Thursday night from Searchlight. Friday evening’s schedule includes keynote speeches by the two candidates in the July 28 runoff election for the party’s nomination for governor — businessman Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden. Searchlight asked Wagner if journalists will be allowed to attend those speeches. “I don’t know what his decision on that is,” Wagner said, referring to Eschenbaum. “It’s a possibility that we will. You might want to check tomorrow.” Story courtesy of South Dakota Searchlight. ...read more read less