Independent Senate Candidates Vow to Reject Party Caucuses
Independent U.S. Senate candidates from Plains states, including Brian Bengs of South Dakota, Seth Bodnar of Montana, and Dan Osborn of Nebraska, have declared they will not caucus with either the Republican or Democratic party if elected. This stance has…
Sioux Falls, SD, October 12, 2026 — Several independent candidates running for U.S. Senate in Plains states have announced their intention to forgo allegiance with either major political party should they win their respective elections. This commitment to independence extends to their stated refusal to caucus with either the Republican or Democratic parties.
Among those making this declaration are Brian Bengs, a candidate from South Dakota; Seth Bodnar, campaigning in Montana; and Dan Osborn, running in Nebraska. Their collective stance signals a potential shift or a deliberate challenge to the established party structures that often govern legislative bodies.
The move by these independent candidates has already prompted a reaction from a prominent Republican group. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has publicly criticized their position. The NRSC has characterized these independent candidates as being “Democrats in disguise,” suggesting that their non-affiliation is a strategic maneuver rather than a genuine commitment to independence.
The specific details of the criticism beyond this accusation and the candidates’ original declarations were not provided. The contractors’ names and the exact dates of their declarations were not immediately available. The outcome of any related inspections or the status of any permits were also not specified in the available information.
Candidates who successfully gain election without committing to a party caucus typically face unique challenges in navigating legislative procedures and committee assignments. Their ability to influence policy and secure resources often depends on their capacity to form coalitions across party lines or to leverage their independent status. The specific strategies these candidates intend to employ if elected are not detailed.
Further details regarding the candidates’ platforms, the specifics of the NRSC’s critique, and the broader implications for senatorial politics in these Plains states remain to be seen as election cycles progress.
Story summarized from the original created by Joshua Haiar on southdakotasearchlight.com, see more information here.
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