Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Ahlers made his case for political change in South Dakota while discussing his campaign, running mate and priorities on the latest episode of Dakota Town Hall.

Ahlers joined hosts Jake Shoenbeck and Murdoc while traveling across the state, shortly after leaving Rapid City. He said his campaign is centered on listening to South Dakotans and argued that decades of one-party control have left several persistent issues unresolved.

“After 50 years of just one party in charge without that balance, can you actually say that life is getting better?” Ahlers said. “Are the problems that we’ve been talking about for the last two or three decades getting better?”

Ahlers pointed to health care access, teacher pay, child care and infrastructure as areas where he believes state government needs to improve. He also criticized state leaders for attempting to change policies approved by voters, citing Medicaid expansion and minimum wage measures.

The candidate also discussed his selection of Steve McCleary, a farmer and former state legislator, as his running mate. Ahlers said McCleary’s experience in agriculture, rural health care and the Legislature would bring useful knowledge to the administration.

Ahlers said he has noticed increased engagement from younger South Dakotans during campaign events, including a recent picnic in Lead that drew a group of people in their 20s. He said reaching voters outside traditional Democratic circles is also part of his approach, pointing to a recent appearance before Citizens for Liberty.

“You can’t build understanding, and you can’t say I want to listen to the voters and then not show up at a place that might be a little tough for you,” Ahlers said.

The episode also featured historian and longtime U.S. Sen. John Thune adviser John Lauk, who discussed his new role as director of the Center for Western Studies at Augustana University and his book, “The Missouri: America’s Longest River.”

Shoenbeck and Murdoc closed the show with discussion of South Dakota airport funding, recent Democratic Party disputes and other state political developments.