Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Julian Beaudion announced Tuesday that he is suspending his campaign in South Dakota, citing extraordinary personal challenges including a devastating house fire and significant financial hardship for his family. Beaudion, a businessman and former state trooper, did not provide further details about his decision beyond stating that the challenges were personal and not political in nature.
The state Democratic Party Central Committee has until next Tuesday to nominate a replacement candidate. In a statement issued Tuesday evening, the party respects Beaudion’s decision and acknowledged he "would have made an outstanding U.S. senator for South Dakota." Party officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on whether they would select a new nominee.
Beaudion alleged intimidation in his statement, claiming that "an opponent and those associated with the opponent" subjected his family to intimidating threats to drop out of the race. He described the attacks as "personal and never about politics." Beaudion did not name the opponent or provide additional specifics, stating that "the time will come" for further details.
The withdrawal clears the path for independent candidate Brian Bengs, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel who previously ran as a Democrat in 2022 against Republican Sen. John Thune, losing by 44 points. Bengs received 26% of the vote in that race. Beaudion explicitly stated he would not endorse either Bengs or incumbent Republican Sen. Mike Rounds in the November election.
Reaction from Key Figures
Incumbent Sen. Mike Rounds, a Republican, told NBC News that his campaign strategy would not change following Beaudion’s withdrawal. Rounds suggested that Bengs may actually be a Democrat, despite his independent status. Rounds’ campaign reported having $2.7 million in remaining funds as of June 30, while Bengs had $51,000 available.
Beaudion criticized Bengs in an interview with The Washington Post, alleging that Bengs has "proven to stoop to whatever level he has to to make sure he gains power." Beaudion did not elaborate on these claims beyond his statement about intimidation.
Broader Context: Independent Candidates Gaining Ground
Beaudion’s exit follows a trend in several Republican-leaning states where Democratic candidates have withdrawn from Senate races to allow independent candidates to challenge GOP incumbents. In Nebraska, Democrat Cindy Burbank recently dropped out, paving the way for independent Dan Osborn to face Sen. Pete Ricketts. In Idaho, Democrat David Roth ended his Senate bid, enabling independent Todd Achilles to run against Sen. Jim Risch. In Montana, independent Seth Bodnar is running for Senate, though Democrat Alani Bankhead has indicated she will remain in the race.
Next Steps for South Dakota Democrats
The South Dakota Democratic Party Central Committee has not indicated whether it will nominate a replacement candidate or endorse Bengs. The party’s statement emphasized its respect for Beaudion’s decision while declining to address potential strategic implications. The deadline for selecting a new nominee is next Tuesday.
Bengs has not publicly commented on Beaudion’s withdrawal or the allegations of intimidation. His campaign did not respond to requests for comment by Friday evening.