YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Democratic Party has hired Dan Ahlers as their new Executive Director.

He wants to help get the party back on a growth track.

Ahlers says he wants to help connect more people to state politics.

Ahlers says democrats have to do a better job of defining themselves and their policies.

He joins Democratic state Chair Jennifer Slaight (slate) Hansen in leadership for the party.

Ahlers, of Dell Rapids, served in the state legislature from 2007 through 2018.