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2w ago

South Dakota Democrat Suspends Senate Run, Clearing Way for Independent Challenger

The move creates a head-to-head contest that could let an independent test whether he can overcome Sen. Mike Rounds’s funding and name-recognition edge.

Sen. Mike Rounds, a Republican from South Dakota, during the Hill & Valley forum at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wed., April 30, 2025.
Julian Beaudion, a Sioux Falls businessman and former state trooper, speaks at the downtown Sioux Falls library on April 7, 2025. Beaudion announced Tuesday that he's withdrawing from the race for U.S. Senate. (Photo by Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)
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South Dakota Democrat Julian Beaudion is dropping out of the primary. (Courtesy Facebook/Julian Beaudion for U.S. Senate)

Overview

  • Julian Beaudion suspended his campaign Tuesday, saying his family faced a recent house fire, ongoing financial hardship and intimidating threats, and he added that he will not endorse Brian Bengs or Sen. Mike Rounds.
  • Beaudion’s exit makes retired military veteran Brian Bengs the principal challenger to Republican Sen. Mike Rounds in the November general election.
  • Bengs faces a steep uphill race because Rounds reported about $2.7 million on hand at the end of June compared with roughly $51,000 for Bengs, leaving a large fundraising and name-recognition gap.
  • The South Dakota Democratic Party has a short window under party rules to name a replacement nominee but has so far issued statements that it respects Beaudion’s decision.
  • Beaudion’s withdrawal follows similar Democratic exits in Nebraska and Idaho designed to avoid vote-splitting and highlights broader debates over pressure on nominees, candidate safety and whether independents can consolidate anti-incumbent voters.