Opinion: Rick Knobe Makes the Case for a Single Challenger

Rick Knobe argues that South Dakota's U.S. Senate challengers face a difficult decision as the August 4 withdrawal deadline approaches.

By Guest Columnist Rick Knobe

Editor's note: This guest opinion was submitted to Turn South Dakota Purple on July 12, 2026, before the campaigns' latest quarterly FEC reports were filed. Julian for U.S. Senate's July 14 filing reported $3,078.11 cash on hand and $14,458.22 in debts and obligations owed by the committee as of June 30. Polling referenced in this column was commissioned by Brian Bengs' campaign and has been publicly reported by South Dakota media. TSDP has made minor edits for grammar, punctuation, and clarity. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Turn South Dakota Purple.

August 4 is final decision day.

In South Dakota it’s the last day a candidate can step aside before the ballots are printed for the general election. 

Around the country numerous candidates have chosen to step aside. Lack of money and poor showings in the polls have been the main reasons. No shame in stepping aside. Better to exit with dignity than get trounced when the votes are counted and be labeled “a loser.” Hard to recover from that.

I have written about my concern about the U.S. Senate race in South Dakota. Three candidates. One Republican, the incumbent Mike Rounds. Polling shows he is not popular within his own party. Julian Beaudion is the Democrat. Polls show he is not widely known and the last campaign report showed him in debt. No cash to get his message out. Brian Bengs is the Independent. Not many independents have stepped forward to seek higher office. Polls show he is well-known. Bengs has a chance to retire Mike Rounds. He has raised more than Julian Beaudion and has cash in the bank.

In a three-person race, the odds favor the incumbent. The opponents split the anti-incumbent vote and the incumbent wins. 

Another term of Mike Rounds supporting Trump would not be good for you and me, and the country. 

I know Julian Beaudion and Brian Bengs. I like them, their principles, and their platforms. 

I am not a political analyst. However, my gut and experience with politics and elections tell me Julian needs to step aside if we agree the main goal is to retire Mike Rounds. 

Politics is a game of numbers. Who is polling better? Who has been able to raise the most money, from individuals and groups? 

As of July 13, it appears Brian Bengs is polling better and has raised the most money. 

Julian Beaudion is a good candidate. His effort to hold town halls all over the state is a good thing. There is no doubt he has supporters. Again, based on experience, it appears he does not have enough to succeed. 

Steping aside, while not an easy decision, is, in my opinion, the prudent one for Julain.

Julian is the type of person we need in politics. However, I don’t think now is his time.

Stepping aside will allow Brian Bengs to go one-on-one against Rounds. There is no guarantee Bengs can win, but the odds of retiring Rounds are much better. 

Reluctantly written, 

The Independent Rick Knobe  

About the Author

Rick Knobe served as mayor of Sioux Falls from 1974 to 1984 and later spent more than 30 years as a South Dakota radio talk show host. He is an independent political observer and former broadcaster.