Republican · South Dakota Senate · 2026
Mike Rounds
Rounds grew up the oldest of 11 children, then raised four children of his own.
Biography
Mike Rounds grew up as the eldest of eleven children and now has four grown children and eleven grandchildren.1 He met his late wife, Jean, at South Dakota State University, where he earned a political science degree.2 A licensed commercial pilot, he also enjoys hunting, racquetball, camping and boating.2
Before becoming a senator, Rounds spent nearly three decades helping run an insurance and real estate business with offices around South Dakota.3 He served five terms in the state Senate, including six years as majority leader, and was governor from 2003 to 2011.1 He entered the U.S. Senate in January 2015 and serves on committees covering defense, intelligence, banking, appropriations and Indian affairs.1
As governor, Rounds and the Legislature appropriated $45.5 million in 2006 toward converting the Homestake gold mine into an underground research facility.4 In the Senate, he introduced legislation in 2024, and again in 2025, to abolish the Education Department and move its programs to other agencies.56
His campaign backs expanded domestic energy production, stronger border enforcement, gun rights and Trump's America First agenda.7 He also supports South Dakota's abortion prohibition, which permits an exception when the mother's life is at risk.7 He faces independent Brian Bengs on November 3, with voters deciding whether to retain the Republican incumbent or send an independent in his place.8
Record and controversies
Adviser lobbying work
September 2026 reporting described senior adviser Robert Skjonsberg's simultaneous work as a South Dakota lobbyist, including for Meta and agricultural interests.9 Rounds's office said its counsel consulted the Senate Ethics Committee and followed its guidance.9 Meta and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers said they had not worked with Skjonsberg since the state legislative session ended in March.9