DELL RAPIDS, S.D. (WNAX) – No matter who wins the South Dakota Senate race next month, the pandemic will still be an issue.

Challenger, Democrat Dan Ahlers of Dell Rapids says Congress needs to refocus on getting past COVID-19.

Ahlers says programs like the Payroll Protection Program could be improved.

Ahlers says small businesses will need more help to survive.

Ahlers, a former legislator, faces incumbent Republican Senator Mike Rounds in next month’s election.