Unusually high number of independent candidates seek South Dakota legislative seats

The Nov. 3 general election could be an independents’ day of sorts for South Dakota. In addition to independent Brian Bengs challenging incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, the state’s legislative contests include 11 independent candidates — the highest number in recent memory. At least one of those independents is guaranteed a seat in the [

By: John Hult

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: October 16, 2026

Words: 1,650

Last Updated: 1 day, 1 hour ago

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The Nov. 3 general election could be an independents’ day of sorts for South Dakota.

In addition to independent Brian Bengs challenging incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, the state’s legislative contests include 11 independent candidates — the highest number in recent memory.

At least one of those independents is guaranteed a seat in the state House of Representatives. That’s in District 27, a vast area including the Pine Ridge Reservation, where …

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