United States Senate election in South Dakota, 2026

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← 2022
U.S. Senate, South Dakota
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: Pending
Primary: Pending General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voting in South Dakota
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Republican DDHQ and The Hill: Pending Inside Elections: Solid Republican Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
See also
U.S. Senate, South Dakota U.S. Senate • At-large South Dakota elections, 2026 U.S. Congress elections, 2026 U.S. Senate elections, 2026 U.S. House elections, 2026 Alabama U.S. Senate raceAlaska U.S. Senate raceArkansas U.S. Senate raceColorado U.S. Senate raceDelaware U.S. Senate raceGeorgia U.S. Senate raceIdaho U.S. Senate raceIllinois U.S. Senate raceIowa U.S. Senate raceKansas U.S. Senate raceKentucky U.S. Senate raceLouisiana U.S. Senate raceMaine U.S. Senate raceMassachusetts U.S. Senate raceMichigan U.S. Senate raceMinnesota U.S. Senate raceMississippi U.S. Senate raceMontana U.S. Senate raceNebraska U.S. Senate raceNew Hampshire U.S. Senate raceNew Jersey U.S. Senate raceNew Mexico U.S. Senate raceNorth Carolina U.S. Senate raceOklahoma U.S. Senate raceOregon U.S. Senate raceRhode Island U.S. Senate raceSouth Carolina U.S. Senate raceSouth Dakota U.S. Senate raceTennessee U.S. Senate raceTexas U.S. Senate raceVirginia U.S. Senate raceWest Virginia U.S. Senate raceWyoming U.S. Senate raceSubmit

Voters in South Dakota will elect one member to the U.S. Senate in the general election on November 3, 2026. The election will fill the Class II Senate seat held by Mike Rounds (R), who first took office in 2015. To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

• Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
• Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. Senate South Dakota

Incumbent Mike Rounds, Julian Beaudion, and Brian Bengs are running in the general election for U.S. Senate South Dakota on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Mike Rounds (R)
		Julian Beaudion (D)
		Brian Bengs (Independent)

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Julian Beaudion

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Julian is a public servant, law enforcement veteran, and small business owner running for the US Senate to bring principled, practical leadership to Washington. With over 13 years of experience as a South Dakota State Trooper and a proven record of service, Julian has built a career focused on accountability, safety, and strengthening the communities he calls home. In 2022, Julian was a Presidential nominee to serve as the U.S. Marshal for South Dakota, a reflection of his integrity, professionalism, and dedication to public safety. He has worked closely with local, state, and federal partners to uphold the rule of law while fostering trust between law enforcement and the public. Julian serves as ED of The HUB SD, an organization dedicated to advancing engagement, leadership development, and community-centered communication strategies across the state. In addition to his work in the public sector, he is also the owner of Swamp Daddy’s Cajun Kitchen, a successful restaurant in Sioux Falls that has become a hub for community connection and local entrepreneurship. Julian has advised on high-impact campaigns at every level, from local to presidential, and was selected as a 2024–2025 Obama Foundation Leader for his forward thinking approach to policy, strategy, and coalition-building. His campaign for U.S. Senate centers on people first. Julian is focused on quality healthcare, infrastructure, small businesses, federal workers, and education."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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I bring a law enforcement background with a community centered approach. With over 13 years as a South Dakota State Trooper and a nomination to serve as U.S. Marshal, I understand the importance of public safety, accountability, and trust in government. I’m committed to strengthening law enforcement while ensuring constitutional protections and individual liberties are upheld.

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I’m a small business owner who knows what it takes to meet a payroll, balance a budget, and grow in uncertain times. I will fight for pro-growth policies that support South Dakota’s entrepreneurs, farmers, and working families to cut red tape, lower costs, and expand opportunities across rural and urban communities alike.

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I believe in people over politics. My work leading a statewide nonprofit has taught me how to build coalitions, solve real problems, and listen more than I speak. In the U.S. Senate, I’ll be a voice for practical solutions, not political extremes, and I’ll put South Dakotans ahead of party lines every single time.

Voting information

See also: Voting in South Dakota

Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Julian Beaudion (D)

I bring a law enforcement background with a community centered approach. With over 13 years as a South Dakota State Trooper and a nomination to serve as U.S. Marshal, I understand the importance of public safety, accountability, and trust in government. I’m committed to strengthening law enforcement while ensuring constitutional protections and individual liberties are upheld.

I’m a small business owner who knows what it takes to meet a payroll, balance a budget, and grow in uncertain times. I will fight for pro-growth policies that support South Dakota’s entrepreneurs, farmers, and working families to cut red tape, lower costs, and expand opportunities across rural and urban communities alike.

I believe in people over politics. My work leading a statewide nonprofit has taught me how to build coalitions, solve real problems, and listen more than I speak. In the U.S. Senate, I’ll be a voice for practical solutions, not political extremes, and I’ll put South Dakotans ahead of party lines every single time.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Julian Beaudion (D)

I am passionate about improving veteran care and ensuring our VA system is fully funded and protected from privatization. I support strong labor protections, including the right to organize and collectively bargain, and will work to ensure federal workers are treated with respect and fairness. I care deeply about public safety, infrastructure, and expanding access to affordable healthcare, especially in rural areas. I also support securing all of the benefits offered by the Department of Education, including preventing the dismantling of the department. Future generations depend on our commitment to them. I believe South Dakotans deserve a senator who puts real issues ahead of political theater.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Julian Beaudion (D)

I would recommend The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama. It offers a clear vision of how we can approach politics with both conviction and compassion. The book emphasizes the importance of common ground, civic responsibility, and the belief that politics can be a force for good.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Julian Beaudion (D)

Integrity, accountability, and courage. An elected official should lead with principle, not convenience. They should be standing firm in service to the people they represent, not political gain. The ability to listen, admit when you're wrong, and stand up when it matters most is what sets real leaders apart.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Julian Beaudion (D)

To represent their state with clarity, consistency, high morals, dedication to people and conviction. A U.S. Senator must make informed decisions, uphold the Constitution, oversee federal legislation and appropriations, and ensure that federal agencies are working in the public’s best interest. Listening to constituents and being accessible is not optional, it’s required!

What legacy would you like to leave?

Julian Beaudion (D)

I want to leave a legacy of principled leadership and real results. I would like to be remembered as someone who stepped into public service not for status, but to solve problems, build trust, and improve lives. I want to be remembered as a leader who listened more than he spoke, brought people together during divided times, and never wavered from doing what was right, even when it wasn’t easy. My time in office should help restore faith in government, opens doors for the next generation of leaders, and delivers lasting progress for South Dakotans.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Julian Beaudion (D)

Rebuilding trust in institutions, addressing economic inequality, and defending democracy from erosion, both externally and internally. We must also confront climate resilience, modernize our infrastructure, and ensure the U.S. remains competitive in global innovation and security.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Julian Beaudion (D)

I support term limits for Congress. Public service should be about purpose, not permanence. Term limits can reduce career politicians and encourage fresh perspectives while preserving knowledge through staggered terms.

What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Julian Beaudion (D)

The Senate is designed to be a body that tempers the urgency of the House with reflection, debate, and continuity. Its longer terms and smaller size allow senators to take a broader view of national issues and, ideally, rise above partisanship to govern.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Julian Beaudion (D)

Experience can be helpful, but it’s not a requirement for wisdom or leadership. What matters more is whether a person understands service, can navigate complexity, and leads with principle. My background in law enforcement, business, and nonprofit leadership gives me a strong foundation to govern effectively.

What do you think of the filibuster?

Julian Beaudion (D)

The filibuster is often used as a tool of obstruction, not deliberation. If it prevents the Senate from addressing urgent national issues, like voting rights or public safety reform, it must be reformed.

Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Julian Beaudion (D)

I deeply admire the leadership of Barack Obama during his time in the U.S. Senate. He brought a thoughtful, principled, and unifying approach to the role—someone who could work across the aisle without compromising his core values. He was a listener, a coalition-builder, and someone who always kept people at the center of his policymaking. That’s the kind of leadership I believe the Senate and the country needs more of. I also respect the energy and moral clarity of Senator Cory Booker. He leads with both heart and discipline, isn’t afraid to speak truth to power, and consistently reminds us that empathy and justice belong in public service. Like him, I believe in the power of hope-driven leadership that brings people together to take on tough challenges with honesty, courage, and compassion.

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

Julian Beaudion (D)

I would evaluate a judicial nominee based on their legal qualifications, judicial temperament, respect for precedent, and demonstrated commitment to impartiality and the Constitution. A judge’s role is not to serve a political agenda but to interpret the law fairly and consistently, regardless of personal or partisan belief.

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

Julian Beaudion (D)

Professional, respectful, and focused on results. I’ll work with anyone, Republican or Democrat, who wants to solve problems. I believe in coalition building, especially around issues like veterans’ care, rural infrastructure, education and small business support.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Julian Beaudion (D)

Yes, I believe compromise is both necessary and desirable in a functioning democracy. It’s not about giving in, it’s about moving forward. The Senate was designed to bring together differing viewpoints, and progress often requires finding common ground without sacrificing core principles.

How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?

Julian Beaudion (D)

The U.S. Senate should use its investigative powers responsibly, strategically, and in service of the public interest, not political theater. Oversight is a core constitutional duty, and it should be exercised to uncover facts, ensure accountability, and protect the integrity of our institutions.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?

Julian Beaudion (D)

I would look for qualifications, ethical standards, and a clear commitment to upholding the law and public trust. I would also evaluate whether the nominee has the temperament to serve the whole country, not just a party or interest group.

What committees interest you?

Julian Beaudion (D)

I’m particularly interested in serving on the Judiciary, Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, and Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committees. These areas align directly with my experience in law enforcement, public safety, nonprofit leadership, and small business ownership.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Julian Beaudion (D)

Transparency builds trust. Elected officials must disclose how taxpayer money is spent, how decisions are made, and who influences those decisions. I believe in regular audits, public reporting, and open meetings as a baseline.

You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:

• Brian Bengs
• Mike Rounds

Campaign finance

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
Mike Rounds	Republican Party	$2,211,882	$1,391,226	$2,503,178	As of June 30, 2025
Julian Beaudion	Democratic Party	$85,413	$41,688	$43,725	As of June 30, 2025
Brian Bengs	Independent	$78,117	$59,502	$18,615	As of June 30, 2025
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). * According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." ** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election.

General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

• Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
• Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
• Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.
• Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.

Race ratings: U.S. Senate election in South Dakota, 2026
Race tracker	Race ratings
	9/2/2025	8/26/2025	8/19/2025	8/12/2025
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill	Pending	Pending	Pending	Pending
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Ballot access

This section will contain information on ballot access related to this state's elections when it is available.

Election history

The section below details election results for this state's U.S. Senate elections dating back to 2016.

2022

See also: United States Senate election in South Dakota, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. Senate South Dakota

Incumbent John Thune defeated Brian Bengs and Tamara Lesnar in the general election for U.S. Senate South Dakota on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		John Thune (R)	69.6	242,316
		Brian Bengs (D)	26.1	91,007
		Tamara Lesnar (L)	4.2	14,697

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 348,020
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Clayton Walker (Independent)

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Brian Bengs advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate South Dakota.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate South Dakota

Incumbent John Thune defeated Bruce Whalen and Mark Mowry in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate South Dakota on June 7, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		John Thune	72.2	85,613
		Bruce Whalen	20.3	24,071
		Mark Mowry	7.4	8,827

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 118,511
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Patrick Schubert Sr. (R)

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate South Dakota

Tamara Lesnar advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate South Dakota on April 23, 2022.

		Candidate
✔		Tamara Lesnar (L)

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2020

General election

General election for U.S. Senate South Dakota

Incumbent Mike Rounds defeated Dan Ahlers in the general election for U.S. Senate South Dakota on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mike Rounds (R)	65.7	276,232
		Dan Ahlers (D)	34.3	143,987

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 420,219
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Dan Ahlers advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate South Dakota.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Clara Hart (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate South Dakota

Incumbent Mike Rounds defeated Scyller Borglum in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate South Dakota on June 2, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mike Rounds	75.2	70,365
		Scyller Borglum	24.8	23,164

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 93,529
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2016

U.S. Senate, South Dakota General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	John Thune Incumbent	71.8%	265,516
	Democratic	Jay Williams	28.2%	104,140
Total Votes				369,656
Source: South Dakota Secretary of State

Election analysis

This section will contain facts and figures related to this state's elections when those are available.

See also

South Dakota	2026 primaries	2026 U.S. Congress elections
South Dakota congressional delegation Voting in South Dakota South Dakota elections: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018	Democratic primary battlegrounds Republican primary battlegrounds U.S. Senate Democratic primaries U.S. Senate Republican primaries U.S. House Democratic primaries U.S. House Republican primaries	U.S. Congress elections U.S. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access

External links

• Search Google News for this topic

Footnotes

[show]

South Dakota's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Mike Rounds (R)

John Thune (R)

Representatives

Dusty Johnson (R)

Republican Party (3)

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