Ahlers selects Sisseton farmer, ex-lawmaker as running mate

South Dakota election website lists Steven McCleerey's name early, preempting planned Wednesday announcement from Democratic candidate in governor's race

Dan Ahlers (left) tapped Steven McCleerey to be his running mate in the South Dakota governor's race.

Dan Ahlers, the Democratic candidate for South Dakota governor, plans to go public with the identity of his running mate.

But the South Dakota Secretary of State’s website spoiled the surprise, with its online general election candidate list indicating Ahlers chose former Democratic legislator and Sisseton farmer Steven McCleerey, 73, as his lieutenant governor headed into the 2026 general election.

Ahlers confirmed McCleerey would be his running mate in an Aug. 11 phone call with The Dakota Scout.

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