South Dakota Voices.
This is a place for thoughtful conversation about the issues, ideas, and people shaping our state. Alongside reporting and analysis from Turn South Dakota Purple, we publish guest opinion essays from South Dakotans across the political spectrum. We don't expect everyone to agree. We do expect arguments grounded in good faith, evidence, and respect.
Why Turn South Dakota Purple Endorsed Brian Bengs
Over the past 18 months, Turn South Dakota Purple interviewed candidates, hosted debates, sought outside analysis, and listened to supporters across the political spectrum. This editorial explains why we ultimately endorsed Brian Bengs and why we believe coalition politics offers South Dakota its strongest path forward.
Turn South Dakota Purple Endorses Brian Bengs for U.S. Senate
After months of listening to both challengers, Turn South Dakota Purple is endorsing Brian Bengs for U.S. Senate. We believe this race now requires one broad coalition capable of defeating Mike Rounds and making South Dakota politics competitive again.
What Campaign Professionals Saw in South Dakota's Latest FEC Reports
Steve Jarding, Steve Hildebrand, and Drey Samuelson joined Turn South Dakota Purple to discuss the latest campaign finance reports. Their conversation became a broader discussion about campaign viability, fundraising, organization, and what it takes to challenge an incumbent in South Dakota.
The FEC Reports Tell a More Nuanced Story
Billy Mawhiney examines the latest FEC reports and polling in South Dakota's U.S. Senate race, arguing that campaign finance data provide valuable insight—but don't determine who will ultimately earn voters' support.
Opinion: Start With the People
In this South Dakota Voices guest opinion, Sharon Schulz-Elsing argues that Julian Beaudion's campaign reflects a long-term strategy built on listening, relationships, and public trust.
Opinion: Put People Before Party
Former South Dakota state senator Nancy Turbak Berry argues that party loyalty has become more important than public service and calls on voters to put the common good ahead of partisan politics.
Opinion: Values Matter More Than Political Calculation
In this South Dakota Voices guest opinion, Taneeza Islam explains why she believes values and conviction should outweigh political strategy when choosing South Dakota's next U.S. senator.
Opinion: Rick Knobe Makes the Case for a Single Challenger
Former Sioux Falls Mayor Rick Knobe argues that Democratic nominee Julian Beaudion should withdraw from South Dakota's 2026 U.S. Senate race before the August 4 ballot deadline to improve Brian Bengs' chances of defeating incumbent Senator Mike Rounds.
TSDP Pulse #1: What South Dakotans Told Us After the Beaudion-Bengs Conversation
Following the July 1 U.S. Senate conversation between Julian Beaudion and Brian Bengs, Turn South Dakota Purple invited viewers to share their thoughts. Here's what participants told us in the first TSDP Pulse survey.
One Month Before the Deadline
There is one month until South Dakota's August 4 withdrawal deadline, and another round of FEC fundraising reports is expected before then. Before the conversation changes, we're asking our audience to take the first TSDP Pulse, a short, anonymous survey about the July 1 U.S. Senate conversation and the questions still shaping this race.
Turn South Dakota Purple to Host First Side-by-Side Conversation Between U.S. Senate Challengers Julian Beaudion and Brian Bengs
Turn South Dakota Purple will host the first side-by-side conversation between U.S. Senate challengers Julian Beaudion and Brian Bengs, premiering July 1.