Former state lawmaker Dan Ahlers is entering the 2026 race for South Dakota governor. Ahlers, currently the executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, will launch his campaign today in Sioux Falls.
Ahlers, of Dell Rapids, previously ran for U.S. Senate in 2020, losing to Republican Sen. Mike Rounds. In announcing his candidacy, he said he hopes to refocus state leadership on problem‑solving rather than partisanship.
Ahlers must collect 1,232 signatures from registered Democrats by March 31 to qualify for the primary ballot. Robert Arnold, 20, of Pierre, is also seeking the Democratic nomination.
On the Republican side, four candidates are running: Gov. Larry Rhoden, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, House Speaker Jon Hansen, and Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden. They each need 2,171 GOP signatures by March 31.
Independent hopefuls have until April 28 to submit 3,502 signatures to make the November ballot.
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