Two candidates remain in South Dakota's U.S. Senate race after Democrat Julian Beaudion's Tuesday withdrawal cut a three-person field by one. Republican incumbent Mike Rounds now faces only independent Brian Bengs. Beaudion cited personal hardship, including a family house fire, and what he described as intimidating threats from an opponent's camp, saying his family's safety took priority over the campaign.
The withdrawal: personal hardship, then threats
Beaudion's statement separated his reasons into two issues. His family was dealing with a house fire and significant financial hardship. He credited his wife, Inkka, and their daughters with showing strength through what he said no family should be asked to give up for a campaign.
Beyond the personal circumstances, Beaudion alleged that an opponent and people connected to that opponent made threatening personal attacks to pressure him out of the race. He said those attacks had nothing to do with politics. He chose not to detail the specific threats now, but said the time for that would come.
On endorsements: none. He will not support Bengs and cannot support Rounds.
The two-person race
| Candidate | Party | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Rounds | Republican | Incumbent |
| Brian Bengs | Independent | Active |
| Julian Beaudion | Democrat | Withdrew Tuesday |
Bengs posted on X that Beaudion's exit made this a two-person race. He called for South Dakotans opposed to what he described as "Washington's cost-raising agenda and corruption" to unite regardless of party, and referred to Rounds as "Big Money Mike Rounds."
Bengs ran for the state's other Senate seat as a Democrat in 2022 and lost to GOP Sen. John Thune. He is now running as an independent.
Party response
South Dakota Democratic Party Chair Shane Merrill said Beaudion would have made an outstanding U.S. Senator. Merrill said every city, town, and reservation Beaudion visited left people feeling heard, calling him fair, understanding, and open-minded. He said he respected the decision to prioritize family.
With no Democratic nominee remaining, Beaudion's exit leaves Bengs without any formal party endorsement heading into November against Rounds.