RMike Rounds
Republican · incumbent
Background
South Dakota State University
Bachelor's degree, history and international studies, Iowa State University
J.D., University of Iowa
Master's degree, history, Louisiana Tech University
Master's degree, international and comparative law, George Washington University
Work experience
Campaign sites, official bios, Wikipedia, Ballotpedia
United States senator · 2015–now
Governor of South Dakota · 2003–2011
Member of the State Senate of South Dakota · 1991–2001
Majority leader · 1995–2000
Assistant professor, Northern State University
Chief of general law/assistant general counsel, U.S. Air Force
Air Force attorney; retired lieutenant colonel
U.S. Navy (enlisted)
National park ranger
Money
$1.3M
$70K
From small donors
Under $200
3%
48%
None
None
Record in Congress
Not in the current Congress
0.9%
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Laken Riley Act
Requires federal detention of immigrants in the country illegally who are charged with theft or violent crimes.
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HALT Fentanyl Act
Permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs.
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One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Budget reconciliation law covering taxes, spending, Medicaid and SNAP.
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GENIUS Act
Sets federal rules for payment stablecoins.
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Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026
Funding bill that ended the fall 2025 government shutdown.
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Secure America Act
2026 budget reconciliation bill.
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Issues
Economy and cost of living · South Dakota, last 10 years
Economy, real GDP growth
+1.8%2025
Unemployment rate
2.1%2026 so far
Rent, yearly change · Midwest region
+4.1%2026 so far
Home prices, yearly change
+3.2%2026 so far
“He believes the United States should maximize the use of its natural resources to lower energy costs, create jobs and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources.”
roundsforsenate.com ↗“Good policies like fair wages, targeted subsidies, and tax credits make a difference. The goal is to restructure our economic system so it delivers for regular people, too, not just Big Money that has engineered the status quo.”
bengsforsouthdakota.com ↗Immigration and the border · South Dakota, last 10 years
Net international migration
3.4 per 1,0002025
“Mike has consistently supported funding for building the wall, advanced surveillance technology and increased personnel for border enforcement.”
roundsforsenate.com ↗“To remain globally competitive and keep Social Security strong, effects-based reform must include a strong border security component and increased legal immigration.”
bengsforsouthdakota.com ↗Taxes and spending · South Dakota, last 10 years
State taxes, share of the economy
3.3%2025
“As our U.S. Senator, he is focused on protecting our freedoms, achieving energy independence, cutting red tape and keeping taxes low so the next generation can thrive.”
roundsforsenate.com ↗“It's long past time for the ultra-rich to pay their fair share once again, like they had to in the 1960s.”
bengsforsouthdakota.com ↗