The field consolidates — and an independent veteran becomes the challenger in a race the parties said couldn’t be contested.
NBC News reported that the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in South Dakota has ended his campaign, leaving independent veteran Brian Bengs as the challenger to Republican Sen. Mike Rounds this November.
Step back and look at the pattern NBC identifies, because it’s historic: Democrats have now stepped aside in Nebraska, where Dan Osborn faces Sen. Pete Ricketts head-to-head, and in Idaho, where Todd Achilles faces Sen. Jim Risch. Three states. Three consolidated races. Three independent veterans standing as the sole alternative to an incumbent. That has never happened in modern American politics — and every one of those veterans is part of this movement.
The two-party system’s most reliable weapon against independents has always been the split field: divide the opposition, keep the seat. In state after state this cycle, that weapon is being taken off the table, because voters and even party leaders recognize that these veterans give their states the strongest voice. South Dakota, the choice is now clear and clean: a dual-service veteran who answers to you, or more of the same.
Every dollar goes straight into the fight — helping independent vets be seen, get traction, and win.
Donate to IVA