Julian Beaudion, who was the Democratic nominee for the Senate in South Dakota, has stepped out of the race. His decision comes after months of resisting pressure to withdraw. This leaves the competition as a direct contest between independent candidate Brian Bengs and the current Republican Senator, Mike Rounds.

With Beaudion’s withdrawal, South Dakota joins the ranks of two other states lacking a Democratic contender for the Senate for the upcoming elections.

The announcement took place on Tuesday, a day that also saw increased activity at primary-election voting sites, such as one in Alexandria, Virginia. States are actively preparing for the midterm elections scheduled for November.

This development significantly alters the political landscape in South Dakota, intensifying the battle between Bengs and Rounds.