Former Dell Rapids Legislator Announces Run for Governor

***VIA AHLERS FOR GOVERNOR NEWS RELEASE***

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Dan Ahlers, a longtime community leader, small business advocate,

and former state legislator, will announce his candidacy for Governor of South Dakota on

Tuesday, February 10, at 10:00 a.m. at the Siouxland Downtown Library.

Ahlers enters the race 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. “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.”

Ahlers served six years representing District 25 in the South Dakota Legislature, including terms

in the House of Representatives (2007–08, 2017–18) and the State Senate (2009–10). During that

time, Ahlers earned a reputation for working across party lines to deliver results, sponsoring and

passing 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, Ahlers was appointed to Governor Dennis Daugaard’s Mental Health Task Force,

contributing to bipartisan efforts to strengthen mental health services statewide.

Beyond the legislature, Ahlers has spent decades strengthening communities through hands-on

leadership. 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 to support economic growth and local development. Ahlers also served 11 years as

president of the Haven before and after school program, helping working families access safe,

affordable child care.

Ahlers’ leadership has been recognized through numerous statewide and national programs,

including selection for the State Legislative Leaders Foundation (SLLF) Emerging Leaders

Program and the Henry Toll Fellowship in 2018. Earlier honors include being named a BILLD

Fellow in 2010, recognition on the Voices for Children Honor Roll, receiving the Partners in

Policymaking Legislative Advocacy Award for sponsoring legislation to improve educational

services for children with disabilities.

“As governor, I’ll bring the same determination I’ve used my entire career looking for common

ground, respecting differences, and delivering results,” Ahlers said. “South Dakota works best

when we work together.”

Members of the public and media are invited to attend Tuesday’s announcement.