Two Democrats are now seeking the South Dakota governor seat in 2026.
Dan Ahlers, who is the Executive Director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, announced his campaign in a Sioux Falls event on Tuesday.
Ahlers is also a former state legislator.
Ahlers said he will work to “protect access to affordable health care, retain medical professionals, expand mental health services, ensure every student has access to a quality education, support and protect family farms and advocate for good paying jobs.”
He also pointed to his success in District 25, which he calls “an extremely red district,” getting elected to the Legislature for three terms.
The other Democratic candidate is Robert Arnold in the Democratic primary.
Four men are competing to win the Republican Party nomination, with Governor Larry Rhoden, Congressman Dusty Johnson, businessman Toby Doeden and state House Speaker Jon Hansen. One other candidate is Allison Renville, who is an independent.
If multiple candidates gather enough signatures by the end of March, a primary election on June 2 will determine the party’s nominee.
