Independent Bengs can beat Rounds if Democrat Beaudion bows out
I am one of many South Dakotans who do not want to see Sen. Mike Rounds elected to a third term. I would really hate to see him re-elected without a serious challenge. As things stand currently, he could spend a few million dollars, cruise to victory, and watch an independent and a Democrat split the opposition vote.
Would anyone seriously advise a candidate to run for U.S. Senate with just $3,000 in the bank and little prospect of raising millions more before Election Day? Of course not. Yet that is effectively what supporters of Julian Beaudion are asking him to do.
After a year of campaigning, Julian has worked hard but has not generated the support, energy, or funds necessary to compete. Public FEC reports show his campaign entering the final five months with approximately $3,000 on hand and carrying debt. During the same period, independent Brian Bengs has raised nearly $700,000, compared with Julian's roughly $208,000, and Bengs’ fundraising momentum continues to grow.
For that reason, I have suggested to Julian that he step aside and endorse Brian Bengs. If the situation were reversed, I would make the same argument to Bengs. As a lifelong Democrat, I would have loved to see Julian’s campaign gain traction. It simply hasn’t happened.
A united effort behind one challenger would give South Dakotan voters a far better chance of defeating Rounds. Many potential donors appear reluctant to invest while the opposition vote remains divided. Julian’s withdrawal could unlock resources and support that are currently sitting on the sidelines. It would also position Julian as an important leader within the South Dakota Democratic Party heading into 2028. An independent victory would weaken the Republican hold on statewide office and could create opportunities for future Democratic success.
Polling suggests Rounds’ favorability is vulnerable, but any successful challenger will need support from disaffected Republicans. Many of those voters are unlikely to back a Democrat, making Bengs the stronger vehicle for building a broad coalition.
I’ve spoken recently with dozens of Democrats, including party leaders, and none express confidence that Julian can finish this race strongly. Hope for a last-minute turnaround is not a strategy.
Julian has until early August to remove his name from the ballot and time is short. Donors generally invest in campaigns they believe can win. The lack of financial support reflects widespread doubts about Julian’s path to victory.
Those who object to calls for Julian to step aside should ask themselves a simple question: if they believe he can win, why aren’t they investing the money needed to prove it?
South Dakota has a chance to shock the nation this November and that opportunity depends on consolidating support behind a single challenger. If Julian remains in the race, he risks becoming little more than a spoiler rather than a catalyst for change. And those who helped hang that title on him while hanging onto their money will have very little to cheer about.
Craig Brown is recently retired from a life spent in business and entrepreneurship. He has considered himself a Democrat since meeting George McGovern when he was 8 years old at the State Fair in Huron. Now he is a full-time activist, serving on the Advisory Board of INDIVISIBLE 605 based in Sioux Falls. He previously served as Democratic chair of District 10 in Sioux Falls, where he lives with his wife, Becky, four dogs and two cats.
Photo: Bengs from his Facebook page
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