Accountability Score — composite of attendance, independence, bipartisan tone, ethics record & transparency.
MethodologyIn the 2020 Senate race for SD Senate seat, M. Michael Rounds (R) defeated Daniel P. Ahlers (D) 65.7% to 34.3%. M. Michael Rounds received 276,232 votes compared to 143,987 for Daniel P. Ahlers, a dominant 31.5-point margin reflecting a safely partisan district.
This was an open-seat race with no incumbent running — John R. Thune (R) previously held the seat. Open seats typically attract stronger candidates and heavier spending from both parties. The 2020 presidential election drove higher voter turnout, which can help or hurt down-ballot candidates depending on the top of the ticket. The wide margin suggests this district is firmly in the Republican column for the foreseeable future.
In the 2014 Senate race for SD Senate seat, Mike Rounds (R) won with 50.4% of the vote, defeating Rick Weiland (D) who received 29.5%. 2 additional candidates split the remaining vote. Mike Rounds's 20.9-point advantage over the runner-up confirmed a comfortable win.
This was an open-seat race. Open seats typically attract stronger candidates and heavier spending from both parties. As a Republican, Mike Rounds benefited from the historical midterm penalty against the president's party — with a Democrat in the White House, the opposition typically gains seats.