Mike Rounds

Why they say you should vote for them

The candidate's own case to voters, summarized from their campaign and public statements.

• Cites "tax cuts that put more money back in your pocket," stronger border security and support for farmers and ranchers as part of his record.[4]
• Says keeping young people in South Dakota means growing the economy and keeping schools and universities strong.[4]
• Says he is focused on economic affordability and national security.[6]
• Emphasizes economic growth, agriculture, veterans' services and national defense, including Ellsworth Air Force Base and the National Guard.[7]
• Says he is "working for South Dakota every single day" and putting South Dakota and America first.[3]

Background

• U.S. Senator; member of the Armed Services, Appropriations, Banking, Indian Affairs and Intelligence committees, U.S. Senate · 2015–present[1]
• Governor of South Dakota (31st), State of South Dakota · 2003–2011[1]
• State Senator, including six years as Senate Majority Leader, South Dakota Senate · 1991–2000[1]
• Co-owner, insurance and real estate business, South Dakota · Nearly three decades[1]

Education

• B.S., Political Science, South Dakota State University[1]

Where they stand

• Abortion
  Describes himself as pro-life; as governor, signed a trigger law banning abortion in South Dakota except when the mother's life is at risk.[2]
• Guns
  Says he supports the Second Amendment and works in the Senate to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners.[2]
• Immigration
  Says border security is essential to national security; has supported funding for border wall construction, surveillance technology and enforcement personnel.[2]
• Energy & Environment
  Supports an "all-of-the-above" approach to domestic energy and says voluntary E-15 fuel should be allowed nationwide to help lower gas prices.[2],[5]
• Social Security & Medicare
  Says he is committed to protecting Social Security and Medicare and supports changes to keep them solvent without cutting benefits.[2]
• Agriculture
  Said he disagreed with the president's decision to import more foreign beef; has proposed a Ranch Act to support domestic cattle production.[5],[6]
• Foreign Policy
  Says the U.S. must stay ahead of China in artificial intelligence and has called for an endgame and a national defense strategy for the war in Iran.[5],[6]
• Elections & Democracy
  Does not support congressional term limits, saying voters can decide at each election whether to keep a member.[5]

Voting record

A selection of notable recorded votes. Not a complete record.

In their words