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Governor · SD · Democratic candidate · 2026

Dan Ahlers

Democratic candidate for governor of South Dakota

Former South Dakota legislator and Dell Rapids business owner focused on rural investment, public schools, affordable homes and healthcare.

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Portrait of Dan Ahlers
StateSouth Dakota
OfficeGovernor
ElectionNov. 3, 2026

Policy priorities

Where Dan stands.

Campaign statement

Investing in rural communities

  • Supports Main Street businesses, better roads and broadband, new farm markets and rural hiring

Campaign statement

Strengthening schools and learning

  • Supports teacher retention, early childhood education, school facilities, after-school programs and pathways into trades

Campaign statement

Expanding affordable housing choices

  • Supports local housing solutions, fewer development barriers and affordable homes for families, seniors and young adults

Campaign statement

Keeping rural health services

  • Supports rural hospitals and nursing homes, addressing staff shortages and expanding mental-health services

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Building a stronger workforce

  • Supports better wages, small businesses and workforce training partnerships with employers, schools and unions

Campaign statement

Open and accountable government

  • Supports transparent government, honest public communication and ending waste and misuse of taxpayer dollars

Record and background

Record & experience.

  1. 2007–2008; 2017–2018

    Experience

    South Dakota state representative

    Represented District 25 in the state House.

  2. 2009–2010

    Experience

    South Dakota state senator

    Represented District 25 in the state Senate.

  3. Appointed in 2023

    Experience

    South Dakota Democratic Party executive director

    Worked on statewide party organizing and candidate recruitment.

  4. 1999–2019

    Experience

    Video Plus owner

    Owned and operated a video store in Dell Rapids.

  5. 2008–2011

    Experience

    Jabberwock Coffee House owner

    Owned a coffee shop in Dell Rapids.

  6. Through 2021

    Experience

    Dell Rapids Chamber president

    Led the chamber before stepping down in February 2021.

  7. 2025

    Experience

    Dell Rapids Society for Historic Preservation director

    Served on the preservation organization’s board.

  8. Through February 2022

    Experience

    Carroll Institute director

    Served on the behavioral-health nonprofit’s board.

  9. 2017–2018

    Experience

    WICHE legislative advisory committee member

    Advised the interstate higher-education organization.

  10. 2021

    Accomplishment

    Recognized for community service

    Dell Rapids proclaimed a day of appreciation for his chamber and community work.

  • Experience

    Menards employee

    Worked for the home-improvement retailer before opening his own business.

  • Experience

    Dell Rapids Chamber administrator

    Managed the local chamber’s operations.

  • Experience

    Haven Before and After School Program president

    Led the local after-school program.

  • Experience

    Dell Rapids Community Fund president

    Led the community’s charitable fund.

  • Experience

    Legislature Executive Board member

    Served on the Legislature’s administrative leadership board.

  • Experience

    Governor’s Mental Health Task Force member

    Served on the state mental-health task force.

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