Steven McCleerey

Background

McCleerey is a farmer and rancher from Sisseton and a former state lawmaker. Ahlers selected him as the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor in August 2026.

Sources: Democratic lt. governor candidate aims to add ag, healthcare focus to ticket

What the candidate has said

Statements are attributed to the linked sources.

• Health care

  McCleerey said the ticket wants to find solutions to health-care challenges, including maternal and infant care and nursing-home care.

  Democratic lt. governor candidate aims to add ag, healthcare focus to ticket

• Property rights

  McCleerey said the ticket intends to listen to concerns from western South Dakota and raised property rights as an issue of concern.

  Democratic Lt. Gov. pick adds Ag and healthcare expertise to ticket