Rapid City, S.D. – As the November election approaches, incumbent Republican Sen. Mike Rounds is solidifying his campaign with a wave of high‑profile donations that underscore his reputation for delivering a strong economy, safer communities, and national security. The latest Federal Election Commission filings show that Working for Ohio, a political action committee sponsored by Vice President J.D. Vance, contributed $5,000 to the Rounds campaign on Oct. 29. Additional contributions include $5,000 from a Hewlett Packard Enterprise PAC, $3,300 from Brian Venturo, chief strategy officer of AI cloud‑computing firm CoreWeave, and $3,500 from Helen Schwab, wife of billionaire financier Charles Schwab.
Broad Support from Business Leaders and Elected Officials
Beyond the Vance‑linked PAC, committees tied to other sitting lawmakers, such as Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, have collectively donated $20,000 since Oct. 19. These contributions reflect a broad coalition of business leaders and elected officials who share Rounds’ priorities for economic growth and public safety.
Campaign spokesperson Rob Skjonsberg praised the backing, stating, “We appreciate the help and support, including the support from the vice president. Mike has always focused on doing the work that promotes a strong economy, safer communities and keeping the nation secure. People and organizations who share those same priorities have found a steady, stable policymaker in Mike.”
Independent Challenger’s Funding Claims
Independent candidate Brian Bengs, a Navy veteran who has positioned himself as a “purple” alternative, has also attracted notable donors, including Boston billionaire Seth Klarman, who gave $3,500 on Oct. 26. Bengs’ campaign asserts it has raised about $870,000 from small‑donor contributions, contrasting that figure with the $49,000 reported by the Rounds campaign for similar donors.
However, Bengs’ accusations that Rounds’ attack ads are financed by a billionaire linked to Jeffrey Epstein remain unsubstantiated. The Rounds campaign declined to comment on the specific allegations, and no evidence has been presented to confirm the claim.
Fundraising Totals and Election Outlook
According to the latest filings, Rounds has out‑raised Bengs throughout the cycle, taking in roughly $105,000 in late donations over the past two weeks alone. While Bengs’ campaign emphasizes its grassroots momentum, the steady flow of contributions from established PACs and industry leaders to Rounds suggests a solid financial foundation heading into Election Day.
Both campaigns are expected to continue emphasizing their core messages: Rounds on delivering proven economic and security results, and Bengs on offering a fresh, independent perspective. Voters in South Dakota will ultimately decide which vision aligns best with their values and priorities.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
