# Brian Bengs **Brian Bengs** is running as an independent for U.S. Senate in South Dakota in 2026 against [[Mike Rounds]] and Democratic nominee [[Julian Beaudion]]. A Navy and Air Force veteran and former Northern State University political-science professor, he was the **2022 Democratic nominee** against [[John Thune]] (lost 70–26) and re-entered as an unaffiliated candidate. He is the reason the race carries a Likely R rating from Race to the WH and The Economist while Cook, Sabato and Inside Elections hold Solid/Safe R: PPP (May 29–30, 2026) had Rounds 44–40 over Bengs head-to-head, versus 56–31 over Beaudion. He had raised $666,000 with $58,000 on hand through May 13. See [[SD-Sen-2026]].