Brian Bengs announces independent run for U.S. Senate

HOT SPRINGS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Brian Bengs announced his run as an independent in the 2026 election for U.S. Senate on Wednesday.

Bengs is running for Senator Mike Rounds’ seat in the US Senate. Rounds has not confirmed his plans for 2026.

“South Dakotans deserve a senator who isn’t a gutless robot for some political party and Big Money,” said Bengs.

Bengs is a dual-service military veteran, attorney, and former criminal justice professor at Northern State University, and now a Wind Cave National Park Ranger.

Bengs says he will advocate for enhancing the everyday lives of South Dakotans who are overlooked by the political establishment.

“I’m running because the system needs to hear from someone who understands the reality of most South Dakotans, lives like they do, does his own thinking, and isn’t indebted to anyone but them,” said Bengs.

Bengs worked as an Air Force judge advocate general officer, where he upheld standards for military and civilian personnel, something he feels is missing in Washington.

As an independent candidate, Bengs aims to unite voters with pragmatic leadership focused on improving the lives of hardworking South Dakotans.

Democrat Julian Beaudion also threw his hat into the race to challenge Rounds earlier this month. The Sioux Falls business owner is a former state trooper who is also involved in the NAACP, organizing the local Juneteenth celebration, working with his non-profit, and his family’s small business.

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