Endorsements
2026 Candidates
The Steady State endorses candidates for Congress, Governor, and other national-security-relevant offices who show a consistent commitment to the rule of law regardless of party, support nonpartisan oversight of the Executive Branch, and understand the security challenges facing the country. Endorsed candidates must also uphold democratic norms — the peaceful transfer of power, rejection of political violence, and defense of civil liberties including a free press and the right to dissent. The Steady State does not endorse candidates who have worked to subvert democratic institutions, discredited the security community without evidence, or promoted disinformation or extremism.
Brian Bengs (SD)
Brian Bengs is running as an Independent for the U.S. Senate in South Dakota after a career spanning military service, law, national security, and education. Bengs served in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his military career, he served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, military prosecutor, and legal adviser, including assignments as Staff Judge Advocate and Operational Law Instructor at the NATO School in Germany and Assistant Professor of Law at the U.S. Air Force Academy. After retiring from military service, he taught at Northern State University and worked as a National Park Service ranger. His background combines military legal expertise, international operational law, federal ethics, constitutional accountability, and national-security experience.