Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds says he’s made no plans to run for governor, yet.
The remark comes as rumors swirl about whether the former two-term governor is eyeing a return to the second floor of the state Capitol.
"I've always said I simply wouldn't close any doors to that," Rounds said when asked about whether he’s vying for a second chance at the governor’s office.
Rounds served as the state’s 31st governor, from 2003 to 2011. Rounds was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014. He was reelected in 2020 and he’s serving his second term.
“I’ve got four years, almost, to go right now as a U.S. Senator,” Rounds said. “I really like the work that I’m doing.”
Rounds is serving on several committees—including Senate Armed Services, Intelligence, Banking and Indian and Veterans’ Affairs.
In Pierre, Rounds has staffers that monitor and network during the 40-day legislative sessions.
Rounds’ former Chief of Staff, Rob Skjonsberg, indicated earlier this year that Rounds might be looking to “serve closer to home.”
For now, Rounds says he’s trying to address South Dakota challenges from D.C.
“Even when I was working as governor—and I will tell you I loved that job, I really did—the biggest challenge we had then was keeping young people in South Dakota. That challenge is still there, today, and the emphasis on it," Rounds said. "For me, it’s a matter of what do you do to help our state? Right now, I can do that working in the United States Senate.”
Current Governor Kristi Noem will be term-limited in 2026. That’s also when Senator Mike Rounds is up for reelection.
To hear SDPB's full interview with Senator Mike Rounds, click play below. SDPB's Lee Strubinger asks Rounds about recent US intelligence leaks, the B-21 Raider, inflation and much more.
