Ahlers, McCleerey try to appeal to moderates while swinging at GOP status quo

Democratic lieutenant governor nominee raises property rights, health care, bipartisanship as key parts of policy platform

South Dakota Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dan Ahlers (right) and Steve McCleerey speak during a campaign event on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, at the Old Minnehaha County Courthouse in Sioux Falls. Ahlers publicly announced McCleerey would be his running mate for the state’s governor contest in November. (Dominik Dausch / The Dakota Scout)

The Democratic candidates in South Dakota’s gubernatorial race want to distinguish their platform from the farther-left values in neighboring Minnesota.

Dan Ahlers, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, welcomed supporters to the Old County Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls Wednesday, where he formally announced his nominee for lieutenant governor, Steve McCleerey, a Sisseton farmer and former District 1 legislator.

The Aug. 12 campaign stop served as an opportunity for Ahlers to introduce McCleerey as his running mate as the two compete with the Republican gubernatorial nominees, South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden and Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen, ahead of the November general election.