Senate race · 2026

South Dakota Senate Race

Compare sourced candidate information for the November 3, 2026 U.S. Senate election. Check the state election office for the complete ballot and any qualified write-in candidates.

All 2026 races

2 documented candidates · what each one campaigns on

Mike Rounds

Republican · Incumbent

Their record

Currently: U.S. Senator

Mike Rounds has served in the U.S. Senate since 2015, following eight years as governor and 10 years in the state Legislature.

Campaign platform

Economic Growth
Rounds emphasizes priorities including economic growth for South Dakota.
EconomySource
Agriculture
Rounds prioritizes agriculture as a key focus for the state.
AgricultureSource
Veterans' Services
Supporting veterans' services is a stated priority for Rounds.
VeteransSource
National Defense
National defense, including Ellsworth Air Force Base and the National Guard, is a focus for Rounds.
DefenseSource
Keeping Young People in State
Rounds is concerned about keeping young people in South Dakota and creating opportunities for future generations.
EconomySource

Candidate source Ballotpedia profile

Brian Bengs

Independent

Brian Bengs is a retired Navy veteran who has taught at Northern State University and worked at Wind Cave National Park.

Campaign platform

Money in Politics
Bengs identifies money in politics as the single biggest issue responsible for many other problems.
DemocracySource
Affordability
Bengs is focused on issues of affordability, including the cost of gas, fertilizer, food, and health care.
EconomySource
Term Limits
Bengs supports term limits for senators, committing to no more than two six-year terms if elected.
DemocracySource
Age Limits
Bengs advocates for age limits in public office, suggesting individuals should retire around 70.
DemocracySource
Systemic Reforms
Bengs believes systemic reforms are needed to address the dysfunctional gridlock caused by the two-party system.
DemocracySource

Candidate source Ballotpedia profile

This is a sourced candidate guide, not a certified ballot. Confirm the full ballot, including any qualified write-in candidates, with the state election office .

Platform items are drawn from candidates’ own campaign materials and public reporting, summarised neutrally. They are what a candidate says they will do — not a judgement about whether they will do it. Once a candidate is serving in Congress, their record moves to the senator profiles.