South Dakota’s Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate announced on Tuesday he is ending his campaign.
Currently, incumbent Republican Senator Mike Rounds holds the seat.
In a release, Julian Beaudion said he is dropping from the race for the safety of his family and to navigate personal challenges.
Beaudion said recently his family experienced a house fire and financial hardships and received threats.
He noted that being the first Black person running for the position was going to be a difficult task and met with resistance.
“I did it anyway, because I believe the fight for the future of our country deserves a tremendous amount of sacrifice and dedication,” said Beaudion.
He added he will not endorse or support his opponents, Independent candidate Brian Bengs and Rounds.
Rounds was first elected in 2015 and reelected in 2020. His priorities include strengthening the border, tax cuts, and supporting farmers and ranchers.
Bengs has served in the military, was an educator, and has a law degree in internal and comparative law. His priorities include affordable and accessible healthcare, balancing the federal budget, and tax reform.
