Ahlers steps forward to run for governor as the SDDP seeks to slay the Republican Dragon that dominates state politics
Is Dan Ahlers falling on his sword for the good of the South Dakota Democratic Party?
Or is the SDDP executive director capable of slaying the mighty Republican Dragon that has dominated state politics for decades?
We will find out this fall. Ahlers, 52, announced Monday that he is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor. He seems a sure winner, if there is a primary, with just Robert Arnold, a 20-year-old Dakota State University with no political experience, and Anthony Sitter of Aberdeen the only other Democratic candidates. Both are essentially starting from scratch.
Then comes the rough part for Ahlers — having a chance in November.
Ahlers has been in South Dakota politics for two decades. He has served two terms in the state House of Representatives (2007–08, 2017–18) and one in the state Senate (2009-10). In 2020, he was the SDDP nominee against Sen. Mike Rounds, losing in a landslide, 65.7% to 34.3%.
Ahlers then served as the SDDP executive director before a clash with the chair, Jennifer Slaight-Hansen. After a very public and extremely messy battle, Slaight-Hanson resigned. Ahlers held both posts for a while before shifting to the executive director position full-time.
The SDDP has tried hard to put that in the past and take steps forward. It hasn’t won a statewide race since 2008; Ahlers hopes to pull a huge surprise and do that on Nov. 2. It’s going to be a steep climb. Finding someone even agree to run for governor was not easy.
Four candidates, three with highly visible positions and one with a lot of cash to spend, are seeking the South Dakota Republican Party’s nomination.
Gov. Larry Rhoden, promoted after Kristi Noem joined President Trump’s cabinet as secretary of Homeland Security and chief of cosplay, Congressman Dusty Johnson, always climbing the ladder, state Speaker of the House Jon Hansen and Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden are vying for the nod.
The Democrats have been seeking someone — anyone — to step forward.
Ahlers told me on Tuesday, after he spoke to a room filled with the party faithful at the Siouxland Downtown Library in Sioux Falls, that he chose to run when others turned down a chance to represent the party in a bid to lead South Dakota.
“Yes, we have been recruiting statewide candidates for more than a year. We visited with nearly a dozen prospective gubernatorial candidates,” he said. “Most decided not to run because of their job or for family reasons. As time went on, there was a growing call from people across the state asking me to run for governor. It led me to have a conversation with my family and ultimately my announcement for governor today.”
A release issued Monday described him as “a longtime community leader, small business advocate and former state legislator” with decades of experience bringing people together to solve problems, guided by a belief that determination, cooperation, and opportunity are essential to meeting the challenges facing South Dakota families.
“With grit and determination, I started a small business and served my community for more than 20 years,” Ahlers said in announcing his candidacy. “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.”
He said in Pierre, he earned a reputation for working across party lines. That is a must for any Democrat, since they are heavily outnumbered in the Legislature and have not held a statewide office for a decade.
Ahlers said he is proud of having sponsored and passed legislation to improve education and funding for students with disabilities, expanding access to quality health care, and increasing funding for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to ensure children had access to adequate nutrition and basic needs.
In 2017, Gov. Dennis Daugaard, a Republican, named Ahlers to his Mental Health Task Force, contributing to bipartisan efforts to strengthen mental health services statewide, according to the release.
Ahlers served 12 years as president and interim administrator of the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce, working closely with small businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations and 11 years as president of the Haven before- and after-school program, helping working families access safe, affordable child care. He has received numerous honors and recognition for his years of service to his community and state and is a friendly, well-spoken man with a talent for organization and politics.
But he also faces a Republican Party that has no plans to surrender a prominent office. It has a huge edge in voter registration. In fact, both Republicans and independents along with minor party members, outnumber Democrats in the state.
Ahlers told me he doesn’t worry about the outsize advantage Republicans have.
“I don’t look at the difference in voter registration as a disadvantage. I had to overcome a significant voter registration deficit in my legislative district, too,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to have a deeper conversation with voters.”
The four Republican candidates have raised more than $5 million in total. Whichever emerges from the primary will assuredly be able to outspend the Democratic candidate. Again, Ahlers said he is not too concerned about that.
“I am confident that we can raise enough money to make this a competitive race,” he said. “And getting dollars to stretch further is something I’m really good at.”
Ahlers also said he doesn’t care who the Republicans nominate will be if he gets the gubernatorial nomination.
“I have no preference as to who my opponent might be,” he said.
He also has not contacted Arnold, Sitter or the two declared independent candidates, Terry Gleason, a registered Republican and sex offender — that’s an interesting combination for a candidate — or activist Allison Renville. He does plan to reach out to other Democratic candidates, Ahlers said.
Ahlers said he will wait until this summer to announce a running mate.
“I have a short list for lieutenant governor. My decision regarding a running mate will come after the primary,” he said. “I’m looking for someone who will complement my background and perhaps bring in some different viewpoints. Ultimately, it needs to be someone who can work as part of a team.”
Ahlers said the key for an upset win is to unite voters from across the political spectrum. Based on the last half-century and voter registration numbers, that’s an understatement.
“As governor, I’ll bring the same determination I’ve used my entire career looking for common ground, respecting differences and delivering results,” he said. “South Dakota works best when we work together.”
Fourth-generation South Dakotan Tom Lawrence has written for several newspapers and websites in South Dakota and other states for four decades. He has contributed to The New York Times, NPR, The London Telegraph, The Daily Beast and other media outlets. Do not republish without permission.
Photo: Ahlers, from his campaign website
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