Who Is Running for Senate in South Dakota in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Mike Rounds
(Incumbent)Economy
HighMike Rounds voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. He supports a balanced budget amendment, advocating for the federal government to pass a budget annually. He prioritizes pro-business policies and has worked to seek maximum H-2B work visas to support small businesses. Senator Rounds also opposes Obamacare, preferring market-based, patient-centered solutions, and supports Medicare for seniors, opposing any cuts to its funding.
Immigration
HighSenator Mike Rounds advocates for strengthening border security and enforcing immigration laws, stating there must be consequences for those who illegally cross the border or overstay visas. He urged colleagues to pass the Homeland Security appropriations bill to prevent funding lapses for agencies like Customs and Border Protection and ICE. Rounds also supports the H-2B Visa program to address workforce demands in South Dakota's construction and tourism industries. He believes in a merit-based immigration system and limiting chain migration.
Healthcare
HighSenator Mike Rounds supported the Senate's passage of FY26 appropriations bills, which included funding for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, the National Institutes of Health, and Special Olympics Health. He introduced the Life at Conception Act, and also legislation to advance brain cancer research, expedite AI medical devices for Medicare patients, and prevent rural hospital closures. He advocates for rural healthcare advances, veteran care through the VA, and improvements at Indian Health Services.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Mike Rounds |
|---|---|
| Economy | Mike Rounds voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. He supports a balanced budget amendment, advocating for the federal government to pass a budget annually. He prioritizes pro-business policies and has worked to seek maximum H-2B work visas to support small businesses. Senator Rounds also opposes Obamacare, preferring market-based, patient-centered solutions, and supports Medicare for seniors, opposing any cuts to its funding. High |
| Immigration | Senator Mike Rounds advocates for strengthening border security and enforcing immigration laws, stating there must be consequences for those who illegally cross the border or overstay visas. He urged colleagues to pass the Homeland Security appropriations bill to prevent funding lapses for agencies like Customs and Border Protection and ICE. Rounds also supports the H-2B Visa program to address workforce demands in South Dakota's construction and tourism industries. He believes in a merit-based immigration system and limiting chain migration. High |
| Healthcare | Senator Mike Rounds supported the Senate's passage of FY26 appropriations bills, which included funding for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, the National Institutes of Health, and Special Olympics Health. He introduced the Life at Conception Act, and also legislation to advance brain cancer research, expedite AI medical devices for Medicare patients, and prevent rural hospital closures. He advocates for rural healthcare advances, veteran care through the VA, and improvements at Indian Health Services. High |
| Climate & Energy | Mike Rounds has secured significant funding for various projects in South Dakota through Senate appropriations packages for Fiscal Year 2026. This funding, totaling millions, includes support for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, as well as Energy and Water Development initiatives. He stated pleasure in securing funds for rural water development and tribal construction projects. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Senator Mike Rounds is pro-life, believing in an inherent responsibility to promote policies encouraging individuals to choose life and defend the unborn. He introduced the Life at Conception Act in 2026, aiming to establish a legal framework that assigns personhood to preborn individuals and protects their right to life from conception. As Governor, he signed a trigger law prohibiting abortion in South Dakota, with an exception for cases where the mother’s life is at risk. In February 2020, he voted to protect infant survivors of abortion. High |
| Foreign Policy | Senator Mike Rounds supports robust foreign policy and defense measures, evidenced by his vote for the FY26 appropriations package that included defense funding. He secured provisions in the FY26 NDAA to prevent foreign adversaries from acquiring farmland near sensitive sites and to strengthen cybersecurity, including establishing a comprehensive cyber workforce strategy. Rounds also emphasizes the importance of funding the Department of Homeland Security to maintain critical operations. High |
| Education | Senator Mike Rounds introduced the "Returning Education to Our States Act" to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, citing that the federal department "causes more harm than good" and has "never educated a single student." He advocates for returning funding and oversight to states, arguing that state officials are more accountable and can implement policies with "fewer one-size-fits-all mandates." He also stated a vision for providing "good educational opportunity" in South Dakota to keep young people in the state by ensuring strong institutions. High |
| Gun Policy | Senator Mike Rounds is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, working in the U.S. Senate to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners. He has received an A+ rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA) and $101,000 in career funding from the organization. High |
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