Julian Beaudion — Candidate Profile

Party: Democrat

Running in: South Dakota Senate Race

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Julian Beaudion

DemocratSouth Dakota Senate Race
Campaign Website →

Summary

Julian Beaudion is a small-business owner and former state trooper from Sioux Falls. He and his wife co-own Swamp Daddy's Cajun Kitchen, and he previously served 13 years as a South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper and is a graduate of the Obama Foundation's Leaders program. While in uniform, Julian organized the state's largest peaceful march after George Floyd's murder and mentored new officers in de escalation and outreach. Julian serves as ED of The HUB SD, an organization dedicated to advancing engagement, leadership development, and community-centered communication strategies across the state. He also owns Swamp Daddy's Cajun Kitchen, a successful restaurant in Sioux Falls that has become a hub for community connection and local entrepreneurship.

Background

Beaudion was born in Alexandria, Louisiana. His career experience includes working as an advocate, state trooper, nonprofit leader, and small business owner. If elected, Beaudion would be the first Black person from South Dakota to serve in Congress.

Campaign Platform

Healthcare
Healthcare access
Beaudion is passionate about improving veteran care and ensuring the VA system is fully funded and protected from privatization. He cares deeply about expanding access to affordable healthcare, especially in rural areas.
Other
Labor protections
Beaudion supports strong labor protections, including the right to organize and collectively bargain, and will work to ensure federal workers are treated with respect and fairness.
Infrastructure investment
Beaudion's campaign centers on people first and he is focused on quality healthcare, infrastructure, small businesses, federal workers, and education.
Justice
Public safety and law enforcement
Beaudion brings a law enforcement background with a community centered approach. With over 13 years as a South Dakota State Trooper and a nomination to serve as U.S. Marshal, he understands the importance of public safety, accountability, and trust in government. He is committed to strengthening law enforcement while ensuring constitutional protections and individual liberties are upheld.
Economy
Economic growth for small businesses
Beaudion is a small business owner who knows what it takes to meet a payroll, balance a budget, and grow in uncertain times. He will fight for pro-growth policies that support South Dakota's entrepreneurs, farmers, and working families to cut red tape, lower costs, and expand opportunities across rural and urban communities alike.
Education
Education protection
Beaudion supports securing all of the benefits offered by the Department of Education, including preventing the dismantling of the department.

Key Issue Positions

Working families and affordability

Ensure South Dakota's working families don't get left behind

Beaudion's campaign message is "This campaign isn't about me — it's about securing a future where South Dakota's working families don't get left behind." His priorities include investing in rural infrastructure, expanding telehealth services and supporting workforce development.

Voting History: No prior voting record as non-incumbent

Anti-corruption

Fight against big money influence in politics

Beaudion stated "In the Senate, I'll fight to enforce the checks and balances our Constitution demands and reject the influence of big money and tech monopolies threatening our freedoms."

Voting History: No prior voting record as non-incumbent

Veteran support

Improve veteran care and VA system

Beaudion is passionate about improving veteran care and ensuring the VA system is fully funded and protected from privatization.

Voting History: No prior voting record as non-incumbent

Voting Record

No voting record as non-incumbent candidate

Social Media Activity

Beaudion's campaign emphasizes listening to South Dakotans and building platforms based on community input

What Opponents Say

Mike Rounds

Beaudion is not a viable challenger in a Republican state

South Dakota has been represented exclusively by Republicans in the Senate since 2015, making Democratic challengers historically unsuccessful

Endorsements

Obama FoundationorganizationBeaudion was selected as a 2024–2025 Obama Foundation Leader for his forward thinking approach to policy, strategy, and coalition-building.

Sources

  1. Julian Beaudion for Senate Official Website
  2. South Dakota Searchlight - Beaudion Senate Announcement
  3. Ballotpedia - Julian Beaudion Profile