Dan Ahlers

Why they say you should vote for them

The candidate's own case to voters, summarized from their campaign and public statements.

• Asks voters whether they would rather have "a Republican who expects your vote or a Democrat who will work for it."[4],[3]
• Says he will build a coalition around education, small business, family farms and affordable health care.[3]
• Says he will work with Democrats, Republicans and independents to find common ground.[1]
• Says rural health care access and the overall cost of living are his top concerns.[8]
• Says a governor from a different party would encourage the Legislature to operate more independently of the governor's office.[8]

Background

• Executive Director, South Dakota Democratic Party · 2023–present (as of February 2026)[9],[11]
• Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate (lost to Sen. Mike Rounds), South Dakota · 2020[9]
• State Representative, District 25, South Dakota House of Representatives · 2007–2008, 2017–2018[11]
• State Senator, District 25, South Dakota Senate · 2009–2010[11]
• President and interim administrator, Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce · 12 years, until 2021[9],[11]
• Small business owner (video rental stores, 1999–2019; coffee house, 2008–2011), Dell Rapids area · 1999–2019[11]

Education

• B.A., Government and International Affairs, Augustana University[11]

Where they stand

• Taxes
  Calls the 2026 property tax laws a shift from property taxes to sales taxes that leaves renters without relief; supports changing how homes are assessed and expanding relief programs for seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. Says the state does not need an income tax.[5],[7],[8]
• Education
  Supports more state funding for schools to reduce local property taxes, state-paid school lunches, higher teacher pay and a child care tax credit or rebate for families.[5],[6]
• Health Care
  Calls the proposed constitutional amendment conditioning Medicaid expansion on the 90% federal share a "cop out" by the Legislature; says he would work to keep rural hospitals and long-term care facilities open and expand mental health services.[10],[2]
• Economy & Jobs
  Says local governments should have more authority over where data centers are built and how they use local resources; supports economic development aimed at South Dakota-owned small businesses.[5],[3]
• Agriculture
  Says the state should be a stronger advocate for farmers and ranchers on foreign beef imports, and opposes private companies having eminent domain power.[10],[3]
• Abortion
  Said in a 2022 candidate survey that the state's abortion ban should include exceptions for rape, incest and the health of the mother.[12]
• Immigration
  Says there is room for state cooperation with ICE but opposes officers wearing masks and what he calls heavy-handed enforcement.[3]
• Housing
  Supports local solutions and fewer barriers to increase housing availability for working families, seniors and young people.[2]

Voting record

Dan Ahlers has not held an office with a recorded voting record. See Background and Where they stand.

In their words