The 2022 Democratic U.S. Senate candidate is officially declaring he’s seeking the seat, again.
This time, Brian Bengs says he’s running as an independent in the 2026 election.
In 2022, Bengs lost to now-Senate Majority Leader John Thune, bringing in just 26 percent of the vote.
Bengs is a retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. Bengs has not held elected office in South Dakota, but he said he’s been active in civic activities.
“South Dakotans deserve a senator who isn't a gutless robot for some political party and Big Money," Bengs said in a campaign announcement.
“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," he added.
The U.S. Senate seat is currently held by Republican Mike Rounds. Rounds has not made an announcement on whether he is seeking reelection.
In April, small business owner and former state trooper Julian Beaudion declared he’s seeking the democratic nomination for the seat in 2026.
