Republican South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds’ reelection campaign is reportedly facing challenges due to President Donald Trump’s policy on foreign beef imports, according to local ranchers speaking to the Daily Caller News Foundation. Rounds is in a tight race against independent candidate Brian Bengs in a state that Trump had won by almost 30 points in the 2024 election. Ranchers expressed concerns that Trump’s allowance of 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef into the U.S., combined with high prices, is negatively impacting their businesses, with some suggesting that Rounds is suffering from his connection to Trump.
Recent polls indicate Rounds is only slightly ahead in a state that typically supports Republicans overwhelmingly. Doug Sombke, president of the South Dakota Farmer’s Union, voiced the frustrations ranchers have with Trump’s beef policies, stating, “They’re just really tired of the lies. It feels as if he does whatever he wants without listening to Congress or the courts.”
On August 21, Trump announced plans to import this beef for 90 days, purportedly to help lower prices and address a supply shortage, as the national cattle herd reached its lowest levels in 75 years. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended Trump’s actions, claiming he has made significant improvements for American agriculture, including negotiating trade deals and enhancing market access.
Although Rounds has publicly supported ranchers against these beef imports, Sombke emphasized that the Senator’s ties to Trump have made his campaign particularly precarious. He noted that Rounds has even removed references to Trump’s endorsement from his campaign materials just weeks ahead of the election.
In an August statement, Rounds criticized the foreign beef policy as not aligning with an “America First” approach, arguing it’s detrimental to American ranchers. He mentioned the necessity for a stable national policy that promotes domestic beef rather than resorting to imports as a short-term solution. He called for Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling, asserting that without it, the market remains unlevel, harming both producers and consumers.
Additionally, Sombke pointed to rising fuel prices resulting from the ongoing Iran conflict, stating this has further squeezed ranchers financially, with diesel prices soaring approximately 70% since the war began. The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association expressed their discontent with Trump’s import decisions, labeling them misguided and harmful to the industry.
In statements, Amanda Radke, a fifth-generation South Dakota rancher, highlighted the long-standing issues facing American cattle ranchers, suggesting that the recent focus on foreign beef imports has underscored these initiatives. She pointed out that the meatpacking industry is under scrutiny, particularly for its consolidation of power affecting market competition.
Radke urged for clearer labeling of imported beef, insisting that transparency is crucial for American consumers. She believes that families should know where their beef comes from, advocating for clear indications to ensure honesty in marketing.
In the context of campaign financing, recent reports show that Rounds has received significant financial backing, with nearly $1.2 million in support, while his opponent Bengs has garnered around $516,000. Spending supporting Rounds sharply increased in recent weeks, reflecting broader dissatisfaction among voters regarding Trump’s economic policies.
The Cook Political Report has classified Rounds’ race as a solidly Republican contest. However, there’s an observable decline in Trump’s approval ratings in South Dakota, dropping from 54% to 47% during the ongoing conflict. Polls also reflect growing disapproval ratings for Rounds himself.
Rounds’ office has not commented on the inquiries from the Daily Caller News Foundation. In contrast, Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s reelection bid showed a more favorable picture against Bengs compared to Rounds’ current standing.
South Dakota last had a Democratic senator in 2015, with Republicans currently holding key political offices throughout the state. Notably, large sums have been allocated in support of Republican candidates in various races across the country in anticipation of the upcoming elections.
