Democratic · Governor, South Dakota
General election Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026
← South Dakota Governor race · All South Dakota races
Executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, former state senator (2008–2010), and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2020.
Dan Ahlers was born in Dell Rapids, South Dakota. He earned a bachelor’s degree in government and international relations from Augustana University in 1997.
Also running: Larry Rhoden (R)
Grouped by topic by Vote Book; headings and quoted words are the candidate’s own, with the source under each one. “As reported” items are a news outlet’s description, not an exact quote.
What works in our healthcare system? What doesn't? How do you propose to improve healthcare in SD?
South Dakota delivers high-quality care in our urban centers, with dedicated providers. We need to improve access, especially in our rural communities, where workforce shortages, travel distances, and low reimbursement rates make it harder for people to get the care they need. We need to close the gap by expanding telehealth, investing in mobile health clinics, and improving recruitment and retention programs. We need to work directly with healthcare providers to reduce barriers that make it difficult to serve patients. We must address rising costs. Promoting competition, increasing price transparency, and exploring a state health policy commission can help hold the system accountable and make healthcare more affordable for families.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Education and healthcare are two areas I’m especially passionate about. As a substitute teacher for the past 10 years, I’ve seen firsthand the difference dedicated teachers and support staff make in our students’ lives. We need to give every student more opportunities to succeed while making sure our teachers and support staff are paid fairly.
What should state government do to support equitable, quality public education (pre-K through higher ed) for all?
We ensure equitable, high-quality public education by funding students based on need, so schools serving high-need populations have the resources to succeed. That includes expanding access to universal, voluntary pre-K across public schools, community centers, and childcare settings, while improving educator pay and training to attract and retain talent. We must also modernize school infrastructure and use data-driven metrics to track progress and close gaps. Finally, by increasing state investment in public colleges and universities, we can lower tuition costs and create stronger pathways from early learning to the workforce.
What do you propose to combat meth, opioids, and other drug abuse in our state?
We need a comprehensive, results-driven approach to combat meth, opioids, and other drug abuse. We need a plan that combines prevention, treatment, and smart enforcement. That means expanding access to evidence-based treatment, including telehealth services, and leveraging Medicaid waivers to reach more people where they are. It means putting lifesaving tools like Naloxone in the hands of first responders and communities across the state. And it means investing in proven prevention programs in our schools so we can stop addiction before it starts. At the same time, we need to support local communities, because they know what works best in their neighborhoods, and build strong coalitions to respond to this crisis together.
What do you propose to improve economic development, draw businesses to the state, and create jobs with a living wage?
I believe our state should refocus our economic development by investing more in our local entrepreneurs. Investing locally keeps money circulating within the community, fostering a, prosperous, and resilient local economy. We spend too much time and resources trying to recruit outside. The results have been mixed. And while these outside companies add to our property tax base, they often bring low paying jobs. We should continue to recruit outside business, but we need to ask what kind of partner will they be in their community and for the state. If we are investing in these outside companies, they should be paying a living wage of at least $25 per hour.
How will you improve relations with the Native American tribes in our state?
We need to listen and we need to show real respect for tribal sovereignty. Too often, state government makes decisions that affect Native communities without including them at the table. That has to change. As Governor, I will ensure tribal leaders are part of the conversation from the start, not after the fact. My administration will work hand in hand with tribal governments to address shared challenges and build real partnerships based on trust and accountability. That means treating tribes not as an afterthought, but as equal partners—because when we work together, all of South Dakota is stronger.
Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
At the heart of my campaign are three simple ideas. First, I believe we need to put South Dakota first. Government should focus on the things that affect people every day, not political headlines, partisan agendas, or special interests. That means making property-tax reform a Day One priority, fully funding our schools, protecting rural healthcare, supporting our farmers and small businesses, and ensuring our economic-development dollars actually help South Dakota businesses and communities. I believe we should invest in South Dakota first and make decisions based on what is best for the …
Dan Ahlers is not a current member of Congress, so there is no congressional roll-call record to show. State legislative or local records are not yet compiled.