Ryan M. Maher
Ryan M. Maher is a businessman and rancher from Isabel who served in the South Dakota State Senate representing District 28 from 2006 to 2025, including as Majority Whip from 2023–2025. He holds a B.S. in accounting from Black Hills State University and an M.S. in banking from the Colorado Graduate School of Banking. He is returning to run for the District 28 Senate seat in the 2026 Republican primary against incumbent J. Sam Marty.
Why they’re
Sensible
Maher is a two-decade legislative veteran with a well-established record as an independent voice for ranchers and rural small businesses. His Freedom Index score of 44% (58% in 2023–24) reflects a willingness to cross party lines on fiscal grounds — he voted No on both budget appropriations citing excessive cost, and consistently sided with property owners on key easement legislation. This independence is a consistent feature, not a liability: he describes himself as "more of a libertarian" in the mold of the ranchers he represents. His long institutional knowledge makes him effective in the complex environment of the state senate.
Also running for
SD State Senate · District 28
Every other candidate filed for this seat, listed for transparency. Our Sensible slate reflects the full field — not just a single pick.