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The South Dakota Democratic Party is excited to announce that our 2026 McGovern Day dinner will be held on Saturday, June 6th at the Best Western Plus Ramkota in Sioux Falls! We are thrilled that the candidates running for US Senate, US House and Governor will be our featured speakers. Join us for an inspirational night as we support Democratic candidates running up and down the ballot this November.
WHEN: Saturday, June 6th
WHERE: Best Western Plus Ramkota 3200 W. Maple St, Sioux Falls
TICKETS
Dinner: $100
Young Dems: $75
Table: $750
Non-Profit Table: $650
Deadline to buy tickets is Monday, May 25th at 11:59pm CT.
We also have sponsorship opportunities to help us put on an unforgettable night! Click the button below to see how you can become a sponsor of the 2026 McGovern Day dinner.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Julian Beaudion
US Senate
Nikki Gronli
US House
Dan Ahlers
Governor
Born in Louisiana, Julian is the youngest of six children and the son of a nurse who valued compassion and a high-school math teacher who preached discipline.
At 22, he joined the South Dakota Highway Patrol. He was a trusted member of executive-protection details for the Governor and South Dakota Supreme Chief Justice.
Along the way he completed the Obama Foundation Executive Leadership program and helped his wife, Inkka, run a family-owned restaurant. He organized South Dakota’s largest peaceful march after George Floyd’s murder, co-founded a nonprofit hub that steers small businesses and tribal entrepreneurs through red tape, and mentors young officers in de-escalation.
His bipartisan record earned him a presidential nomination as U.S. Marshal and seats on statewide strategic boards.
He and Inkka live in Sioux Falls with their three daughters and their sheepadoodle, Beignet.
Nikki is a small business owner and a rural Dell Rapids resident. She led USDA Rural Development in South Dakota from 2022 to 2025, overseeing millions of dollars in investments supporting rural housing, broadband, infrastructure, and community facilities. With nearly 30 years of experience in marketing, communications, and leadership, she has built a career on bringing people together to solve tough challenges.
Nikki has served her community and South Dakota in numerous leadership roles, including as a member of Dakota State University's Cyber Security Industry Advisory Board, as President of the Department of Defense STARBASE board, and appointee to the Minnehaha County Housing and Redevelopment Commission board, among many others over the years. Known for her energy and effectiveness, she consistently steps up to guide the organizations she serves.
Nikki and her husband, Brian, are proud parents and grandparents.
Dan has called Dell Rapids home for 20 years, where he owned and operated a small business.
He's had the privilege of serving as President of the Haven Before and After School Program, the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce, and the Dell Rapids Community Fund. He is also proud to serve as a substitute teacher at the Dell Rapids School District.
For six years, Dan represented District 25 in the State Legislature. While collaborating with colleagues from both parties and state agencies, he focused on making government work better and smarter.
Since 2023, he has lead the South Dakota Democratic Party as its Executive Director. Dan has grown fundraising efforts and recruited Democratic candidates up and down the ballot all across the state.
He and his wife Amy are high school sweethearts. They've been married for 27 years and are raising two sons, Jackson (19) and Aaron (14).