The independent candidate for U.S. Senate from South Dakota, Brian Bengs, addressed a range of topics during a campaign event last week, with a particular focus on the influence of money in politics, which he identified as a primary concern for voters. The gathering took place at the Brookings Activity Center, part of his statewide tour to engage with South Dakotans.
“Do you think that our Congress is functioning the way the founders intended and the Constitution is designed?” Bengs posed to the audience, which largely responded negatively. An attendee voiced a common sentiment, stating, “Absolutely not.” Bengs continued by asking whether Congress was aligned more with voters or their donors, to which the audience again affirmed that it was the donors.
The event drew approximately 15 attendees, who expressed a mix of passion and concern regarding the future. One attendee remarked on the state of international relations, stating, “Our international situation is a mess,” and queried about the United States’ relationships with allies. Bengs responded that rebuilding these bonds is essential, but stressed domestic issues must be addressed first to redefine America’s stance in global affairs. This led to discussions about the ongoing war in Ukraine and recent American foreign policy, where he criticized the current approach, saying it teaches adversaries the need for nuclear armament as a form of protection.
Bengs has a notable background, having served in the Navy before attending college and law school using the GI Bill. His military career continued in the Air Force JAG Corps, where he served in various legal roles before becoming an instructor at the Air Force Academy and a legal advisor at the NATO school in Germany. After nearly two decades in military service, he transitioned to academia, teaching at Northwestern University and working as a ranger at Wind Cave National Park. His decision to run for office was largely influenced by witnessing what he described as a corrupt political system during recent governmental cuts.
“The corruption of our entire political system,” Bengs remarked, has become a personal issue for him. “The whole thing is corrupted by money. Legally. And that enables the illegal corruption that we’re dealing with.” His campaign emphasizes a range of populist themes, including halting new data center construction, imposing congressional term limits, ensuring affordable healthcare, and addressing tax loopholes for the wealthy.
Bengs faces incumbent Republican Senator Mike Rounds, who is seeking his third term. Rounds benefits from established name recognition and party support that Bengs currently lacks. Some audience members expressed frustration that Bengs was excluded from participating in a local parade, while Rounds was allowed to attend as an elected official. Despite reaching out to several student organizations for sponsorship, Bengs’ campaign faced multiple rejections.
Several polls indicate that Bengs is trailing Rounds, sometimes by significant margins. However, Bengs and his campaign dispute these findings, suggesting the race is much closer than portrayed. “I’m confident this is a toss-up race,” said deputy campaign manager Clay Hoffman, expressing optimism that voters will seek change on election day.
Throughout the event, Bengs conveyed both enthusiasm for American ideals and disappointment with the current political landscape. “I want what I was promised when I was a kid… and I don’t have it,” he said. “We’re being cheated by this money that is corrupting the system for itself. That’s the fight I want to have.”
