Dan Ahlers to seek Democrat nomination for South Dakota Governor

Longtime state legislator and Democratic party leader announces gubernatorial bid

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Dan Ahlers, the Executive Director of the South Dakota Democratic Party and a former state legislator, has announced that he will seek the Democratic nomination for Governor of South Dakota in the upcoming election.

Why it matters

Ahlers' candidacy represents a challenge to the Republican dominance in South Dakota politics, as the state has not had a Democratic governor since 1979. His campaign platform of bringing people together and getting things done could resonate with voters seeking a more bipartisan approach to governing.

The details

Ahlers, who has served six years as a state legislator representing District 25, previously ran for the U.S. Senate in 2020 against incumbent Republican Mike Rounds. He has been the Executive Director of the South Dakota Democratic Party since 2023. In his announcement, Ahlers emphasized his experience as a small business owner and community leader, stating that he will bring the same "grit and determination" to the governor's office.

  • Ahlers announced his gubernatorial bid on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Dan Ahlers

A former state legislator and the current Executive Director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, Ahlers is seeking the Democratic nomination for Governor of South Dakota.

Mike Rounds

The incumbent Republican U.S. Senator from South Dakota, whom Ahlers challenged in the 2020 Senate race.

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What they’re saying

“With grit and determination, I started a small business and served my community for more than 20 years. That same grit built South Dakota. But today, too many politicians are choosing party politics over representing the people they serve. I'm running for governor to bring people together and get work done.”

— Dan Ahlers (HubCityRadio)

What’s next

Ahlers will now begin the process of securing the Democratic nomination for governor, which will involve campaigning, fundraising, and building a coalition of supporters across the state.

The takeaway

Ahlers' candidacy represents a potential shift in South Dakota politics, as the state has been dominated by Republicans for decades. His message of bipartisanship and getting things done could resonate with voters seeking a change from the current political climate.