Rapid City, SD – Veteran and educator Brian Bengs has filed paperwork to run as an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate, directly challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Mike Rounds. Bengs, who previously sought the Senate seat in 2022 as the Democratic nominee, says his lifelong commitment to public service and concern for South Dakota families have led him to this new path.
Military service and local roots
Bengs graduated from high school and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy, later using the GI Bill to attend college. He returned to the armed forces as a JAG officer in the Air Force, retiring after a combined 26 years of service. “I came to South Dakota because I wanted my daughters to grow up in a small Midwestern town, like the one I grew up in,” he explained, noting his upbringing in a 500‑person Iowa community.
After teaching at Northern State University in Aberdeen, Bengs moved his family to Hot Springs in 2024, where he worked as a park ranger at Wind Cave National Park. His deep ties to the state’s rural communities shape his campaign message.
Why an independent?
“When I see how the government is operating, I feel compelled to step up,” Bengs said, referencing what he called the “D.O.G.E. buzzsaw” – a concept he believes was good in theory but poorly executed. “I’ve been an independent for 97% of my life, and I’m running to represent regular South Dakotans, not the entrenched political establishment.”
He argues that many voters feel Congress no longer works as the founders intended. “When I ask people if Congress functions the way the Constitution was designed, most laugh first and then say, ‘No,’” Bengs noted.
Campaign platform
Bengs’ platform focuses on three core reforms:
- Eliminate big‑money influence: He calls for stricter limits on campaign contributions and greater transparency to curb the power of wealthy donors.
- Term limits: Bengs pledges to serve no more than two terms himself and advocates for a two‑term limit for all Senate members.
- AI and data‑center safeguards: He proposes a temporary halt on new data‑center construction until federal guidelines address potential risks of artificial intelligence, ensuring that a handful of billionaires do not dominate the emerging technology landscape.
He also supports ending U.S. involvement in the Iran conflict, describing it as an unnecessary war that diverts resources from domestic priorities.
Personal touches
At 6‑foot‑8, Bengs often jokes that his height surprises voters on the campaign trail. He says his stature helps him stand out, but his message is what he hopes will truly resonate.
Looking ahead
The independent bid adds a new dynamic to a race that has traditionally been a two‑party contest. While Sen. Rounds enjoys strong support among Republican voters, Bengs hopes to attract independents and disaffected Democrats who share his concerns about corruption, big‑money politics, and unchecked technological growth.
As the filing deadline approaches, Bengs plans to tour the state’s small towns and rural communities, emphasizing his belief that “regular folks” deserve a genuine voice in Washington. He invites South Dakotans to join his town‑hall meetings and share their perspectives on the future of the Senate and the nation.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
