U.S. Senator Mike Rounds focused on job, but quietly prepping campaign launch

If there are any still speculating what Senator Rounds intends to do, you should have figured it out a long time ago. Mike is in for US Senate, and the campaign is slowly being brought to the gantry, according to Team Rounds insiders.

Longtime confidant and former chief of staff to Senator Rounds, Rob Skjonsberg, confirmed that Rounds is taking steps to launch his 2026 re-election campaign.  Rob tells me that “Mike’s focused on the job – but the campaign infrastructure will be in place when he’s ready to make a formal announcement.   I guarantee we won’t have a cold start. We’ll hit the ground running.”

When pressed about “the team” being in place, Skjonsberg informs me that “We have most of the pieces locked in already.”

If you recall, in 2020, Rounds’ media and digital presence was impressive after partnering with former Thune and Noem political media guru, Scottie Howell. Howell brings a massive network and a proven record of winning tough races in South Dakota. Rounds also has one of the best pollsters in the country, a strong friendship with Senator Thune and his team, and a ground game with 30 years worth of success. Skjonsberg has always added a little extra “edge” to Mike and I think that’s why it’s a successful combination.

It’s not “If” Mike decides to pull the trigger –  It’s when. And everyone should assume he’ll be the juggernaut once again.

Stay tuned.

8 thoughts on “U.S. Senator Mike Rounds focused on job, but quietly prepping campaign launch”

  1. Go Rounds!! We need Mike in the Senate — I’ll breathe easier once he’s officially declared he’s running for reelection!

  2. Mike is kind of a lunch pale senator. Just goes to work and does his job. I’m still a fan of that style. I like Mike.

  3. In a world of turmoil, Sen Mike is a quiet breath of reasonable, tranquil thought. Thank you

  4. Other than his silence on Hegseth’s shenanigans, I’ve found him to be a solid senator. I would support him again.

    1. I feel the same. Rounds is smart. He’s an independent thinker but toes the trump line pretty hard. I’m 70/30 on Rounds and today, that’s pretty damn good.

      1. Exactly the same here. Thune is impossible to even reach and Dusty keeps piling onto nonsense, ostensibly to shore up support before his gubernatorial run. Rounds is steady, if a bit passive. I will take it.

  5. I feel safer with Mike Rounds in the U.S. Senate. Let there be chaos in the legislature, gubernatorial primary, etc., but give us stability and strength in Mike Rounds for one final term! 💪🏽

  6. Yes, a steady hand. I know he said his favorite job was Governor. Can’t blame him I guess, but I would say he’s really good at legislating. You need people like him that don’t mind grinding through committee meetings. A lot of people just want to be in front of the camera and go to DC to get wined and dined. They want attention. Mike appears to be a worker – no flash, all substance.

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