SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Julian Beaudion has suspended his campaign, citing recent personal hardships, including a house fire at his Sioux Falls home.
Beaudion announced the decision Tuesday after meeting the state’s withdrawal deadline. His departure leaves incumbent Republican Sen. Mike Rounds and independent candidate Brian Bengs as the only candidates in the race.
Beaudion said his family needs to focus on rebuilding after recent challenges and declined to endorse either remaining candidate.
Political observers noted the move changes the dynamics of the race by eliminating the possibility of a split anti-Rounds vote. Bengs said the withdrawal could help make the contest more competitive.
The Senate race now heads toward a two-candidate showdown between Rounds, who has represented South Dakota in the Senate since 2015, and Bengs, a Navy veteran and former Democratic Senate candidate. The general election is Nov. 3.
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