Dan Ahlers

Economy and cost of living

Ahlers says he wants to invest in Main Street and small businesses, push for wages that let people get ahead, train workers with businesses, schools and unions, and use state economic development tools to attract businesses. He also says he would back efforts to make housing more affordable.

“Fight for wages that let hardworking South Dakotans get ahead, not just get by.”

Taxes and government spending

Ahlers says he would clean out waste and misuse of taxpayer dollars, and points to his legislative record of increasing education funding while holding the line on taxes. He criticizes the governor's budget for relying on one-time money and special funds.

Health care

Ahlers says he would fight to keep rural hospitals and long-term care facilities open, address healthcare workforce shortages, and expand access to mental health services. He opposes the federal budget bill, saying it cuts Medicaid.

“Every South Dakotan deserves access to affordable, quality healthcare, regardless of where they live.”

Social Security and Medicare

Ahlers says the federal budget bill strips Medicaid funding that provides healthcare for South Dakota children and the elderly, and that he opposes it. He also says he would support seniors, including helping them find affordable homes.

Immigration and the border

Ahlers says he would press federal officials to improve the agricultural worker visa program, making it more flexible so seasonal and skilled workers can stay when farmers need them.

Abortion

No stated position on their website.

Energy and climate

No stated position on their website.

Guns

No stated position on their website.

Crime and policing

No stated position on their website.

Education

Ahlers says he would invest heavily in public education, recruit and keep teachers, strengthen rural schools, expand early childhood education and childcare, build workforce and trade pathways, and fund school buildings and afterschool programs.

“Recruit and retain great teachers in classrooms across the state.”

Foreign policy and defense

No stated position on their website.

Elections and ethics in government

Ahlers says he would make government open, honest and accountable, communicate directly with constituents, and restore trust through transparency. He criticizes leaders for working to undo voter-approved ballot measures and make it harder to get issues on the ballot.

“Work to make government open, honest, and accountable to the people.”