PIERRE, S.D. – Independent U.S. Senate candidate Brian Bengs is criticizing incumbent Senator Mike Rounds over campaign contributions from artificial intelligence and data center interests as the November election approaches.
At a news conference Thursday, Bengs argued that large donors and corporate interests have too much influence in politics. He claimed Senator Rounds has received more campaign money from AI and data center companies than from South Dakota donors and said reducing the influence of money in politics remains a key part of his campaign.
Bengs also addressed questions about his own investments in companies connected to the data center industry, saying the holdings are minimal and were placed in a retirement account by a financial advisor. He added that he is willing to divest those investments.
Bengs emphasized he is not opposed to data centers themselves, but wants to ensure community interests are prioritized as the industry expands.
In a statement, Rounds campaign advisor Rob Skjonsberg rejected Bengs’ criticism, calling it hypocritical and defending South Dakota’s existing regulations governing data center development and local control.
South Dakota voters will decide the U.S. Senate race in the November 3 general election.
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