Brian Bengs
IND
Brian Bengs, the 2022 Democratic nominee for this seat, is running as an independent against Mike Rounds. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran, attorney and former university professor who campaigns on getting money out of politics and lowering the cost of living.[3]
Basic profile — the most important sourced facts we found.
Positions on the issues
- SupportsExpand public health coverage
Lists establishing affordable and accessible healthcare among his priorities, alongside safeguarding Social Security and Medicare.[3]
In their words — priorities
- Getting money out of politics, saying "Big Money" has corrupted the political system so regular people cannot afford the lifestyle their parents had.[3]
- Balancing the federal budget and paying down the national debt.[3]
- Making daily life more affordable, including establishing affordable and accessible healthcare and safeguarding Social Security and Medicare.[3]
Background
- Served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force.[3]
- Earned a bachelor's degree in history and international studies from Iowa State University (1994), a J.D. from the University of Iowa (1996), a master's degree in history from Louisiana Tech University (2007), and a master's degree in international and comparative law from George Washington University (2007).[3]
- Worked as an assistant professor at Northern State University and as chief of general law/assistant general counsel for the U.S. Air Force.[3]
- Was the Democratic nominee for this same U.S. Senate seat in 2022, losing to John Thune 69.6%-26.1%.[1]
Campaign money
Raised $782K · spent $731K · $51K cash on hand (through 2026-06-30) FEC filing ↗