South Dakota Senate Democratic candidate Julian Beaudion announced on Tuesday, August 5, 2026, that he is suspending his campaign for the U.S. Senate. Beaudion cited extraordinary personal challenges, including a devastating house fire and significant financial hardship, as reasons for his withdrawal. He emphasized that the mental and physical safety of his family is his priority.

"As many of you know, we experienced a devastating house fire while continuing to navigate significant personal financial hardship," Beaudion said in a statement shared on social platform X. He also noted, "Through it all, my wife, Inkka, and our daughters have shown incredible strength. They have sacrificed more than anyone should ever be asked to sacrifice for a campaign. Today, my first responsibility is to them."

Beaudion added, "Let me be clear, I will not be endorsing or supporting Brian Bengs in this race," referring to the independent candidate who remains the sole challenger to incumbent Republican Sen. Mike Rounds.

The withdrawal leaves independent Brian Bengs, a small business owner and former 13-year South Dakota State Trooper from Sioux Falls, as the lone challenger to Rounds in the November election. Bengs praised Beaudion's decision, calling him a "patriot," and expressed intent to seek Beaudion's input on campaign issues.

"We both recognize the most important goal here is retiring Mike Rounds," Bengs said in a statement.

Senate GOP leader John Thune commended Beaudion's decision on X, stating, "I commend Julian Beaudion’s patriotic decision to make this a two-person race and put South Dakota first."

South Dakota Democratic Party Chair Shane Merrill also praised Beaudion, saying, "Julian would have made an outstanding US Senator for South Dakota."

The race now features incumbent Sen. Mike Rounds, who has held his seat since 2015, and independent Brian Bengs. South Dakota remains a reliably Republican state; President Trump won the state by nearly 30 points in 2024.

Sources