South Dakota governor candidates clash on data centers, education, economic development
The candidates also disputed teacher pay, property taxes and the Future Fund as Ahlers pushed more local control over data centers.
- On Monday, South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Ahlers clashed in Sioux Falls over data centers, property taxes, and education in their final debate before the Nov. 3 election.
- Ahlers argued communities need more authority over data center construction, while Rhoden touted legislation requiring centers using 10 megawatts or more to cover power demands and potential departure costs, citing national security concerns regarding China.
- Rhoden highlighted property tax cuts reducing average homeowners' bills by 36% via $110 million for education and $56 million in budget funds, though Ahlers labeled the legislation a 'tax shift' unfairly burdening renters and lower-income residents.
- Both candidates scrutinized the state's Future Fund, with Rhoden citing recruitment of the Smithfield Foods pork processing plant as proof of wise management, while Ahlers advocated prioritizing South Dakota-owned businesses over large out-of-state companies.
- Ahlers proposed restoring a tribal relations commission for stronger representation, while Rhoden defended his administration's 'reset' of tribal relations and touted recent teacher salary increases of about $10,000 to address retention concerns.
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Governor candidates spend hour debating positions
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) -- The two candidates for governor spent time Monday night taking turns explaining to viewers where they stand on issues facing South Dakota. During an hour-long televised debate in Sioux Falls sponsored by South Dakota Public Broadcasting and South Dakota News Watch, Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden and Democratic challenger Dan Ahlers each [...]
South Dakota governor candidates clash on data centers, education, economic development - The Mexico Ledger
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden, left, and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Ahlers on Sept. 28, 2026 during a debate at South Dakota Public Broadcasting's Sioux Falls studios. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)Local governments should have more authority over where data centers are built and how they use local resources, Democratic candidate for South Dakota governor Dan Ahlers said during a debate on Monday. “We should be aski…
thepampanews.com
South Dakota governor candidates clash on data centers, education, economic development
Local governments should have more authority over where data centers are built and how they use local resources, Democratic candidate for South Dakota governor Dan Ahlers said during a debate on Monday. “We should be asking the people of South Dakota what they want, and what they’ve been telling us is they don’t want these […]
South Dakota governor candidates clash on data centers, education, economic development - Stateline Publications
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden, left, and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Ahlers on Sept. 28, 2026 during a debate at South Dakota Public Broadcasting's Sioux Falls studios. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)Local governments should have more authority over where data centers are built and how they use local resources, Democratic candidate for South Dakota governor Dan Ahlers said during a debate on Monday. “We should be aski…
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