Podcast: Governor candidates debate data centers, education, economic development
Oct 02, 2026 | 1:04 pm ET
Description
Democratic nominee Dan Ahlers, left, will face Republican nominee Gov. Larry Rhoden in the Nov. 3 general election. (South Dakota Searchlight photos by Joshua Haiar and Makenzie Huber)
The two candidates for South Dakota governor recently met for a final debate before the Nov. 3 general election, hosted by South Dakota Public Broadcasting and South Dakota News Watch.
In this episode of Searchlight Report, host Meghan O’Brien recaps the debate, including disagreements on data center laws, school funding and how the state helps private companies.
Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden took office in early 2025 after serving as former Gov. Kristi Noem’s lieutenant governor. Rhoden is a rancher from western South Dakota who served 16 years in the Legislature.
Democratic challenger Dan Ahlers is a business owner from Dell Rapids who has served as executive director of the state’s Democratic Party and also served six years in the Legislature.
Early voting for the election is underway and the deadline for voter registration is Oct. 19. To learn more about the candidates, check out the South Dakota Searchlight Voter Guide.
Click here to access a transcript of this week’s episode.
Pierre, SD
