{"id":165,"name":"Justin McNeal","first_name":"JUSTIN","last_name":"MCNEAL","middle_name":"S","suffix":null,"bioguide_id":null,"fec_candidate_id":"S6SD01133","ocd_person_id":null,"govtrack_id":null,"opensecrets_id":null,"votesmart_id":null,"office_id":1,"party":"Republican","status":"candidate","photo_url":null,"website":null,"campaign_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM","email":null,"phone":null,"social_twitter":"justin_mcn50093","social_facebook":"https://facebook.com/justinmcneal4senate","social_instagram":"justinmcneal_ussenate","social_youtube":null,"state":"SD","district":"00","city":null,"assumed_office":null,"term_end":null,"born":null,"source":"fec","source_url":"https://api.open.fec.gov/v1/candidate/S6SD01133/","source_updated":"2026-08-21 08:01:44","first_seen":"2026-05-09 07:51:37","last_seen":"2026-06-19 11:24:36","created_at":"2026-05-09 07:51:37","updated_at":"2026-06-19 11:24:36","canonical_id":null,"fec_checked_at":"2026-09-12 06:40:45","contact_email":null,"contact_source_url":null,"contact_captured_at":null,"office_name":"U.S. Senator","level":"federal","branch":"legislative","office_chamber":"senate","positions":[{"topic":"National Security","stance":"National Defense & Foreign Policy","detail":"Justin McNeal U.S. Navy veteran with firsthand experience of military service after 9/11 Believes in strength, preparedness, and deterrence Opposes endless wars and open-ended foreign conflicts Supports disciplined defense spending focused on real threats–not political agendas Mike Rounds Career politician with no military service Consistently supports large defense budgets with limited accountability Aligns with Washington’s interventionist foreign policy consensus Votes often reflect party leadership priorities rather than restraint The Difference: Justin has lived the cost of war. Rounds has voted on it from Washington.","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-07-21"},{"topic":"Taxes","stance":"Fiscal Responsibility & Smarter Government","detail":"South Dakotans know how to balance a checkbook. Washington should, too. Justin brings real-world financial discipline to government. He holds an MBA , is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) , and has owned and operated a wealth management firm for more than 18 years , working directly with hundreds of families to help them budget responsibly, plan for the future, and protect what they’ve earned. Justin believes the government should operate with the same accountability and discipline required in the private sector , not with blank checks and borrowed money. In Congress, he will work to: Reduce wasteful spending Streamline bloated federal programs Increase transparency and independent oversight Protect taxpayers from runaway debt and inflation Government exists to serve the people , not to grow itself at their expense. ","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-05-23"},{"topic":"National Security","stance":"Veterans & Military Families","detail":"Justin McNeal Veteran who understands VA delays, transition challenges, and mental health needs Supports real VA accountability and faster access to care Focuses on rural veteran access, not just promises Mike Rounds Supports veteran legislation but operates within the existing VA structure Oversight has produced limited improvements in wait times and accountability Focuses on funding more than reform The Difference: Justin is familiar with the system from the inside. Rounds oversees it from the outside.","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-05-23"},{"topic":"National Security","stance":"Protecting America Through Strength — Not Endless War","detail":"As a U.S. Navy veteran who served aboard a fast-attack nuclear submarine during the post-9/11 era, Justin McNeal understands that strength is not measured by how often we go to war, but by how seriously we treat the lives we send into harm’s way. America must remain strong, prepared, and capable of defending itself against real threats. But strength also means discipline, restraint, and clear objectives. Justin opposes reckless foreign entanglements and political adventurism that drains resources, destabilizes regions, and places unnecessary burdens on American service members and their families. Peace is preserved when America is respected, prepared, and led by people who understand the cost of war, not those who treat it as a talking point. ","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-05-15"},{"topic":"Technology","stance":"Protecting America Through Strength — Not Endless War","detail":"As a U.S. Navy veteran who served aboard a fast-attack nuclear submarine during the post-9/11 era, Justin McNeal understands that strength is not measured by how often we go to war, but by how seriously we treat the lives we send into harm’s way. America must remain strong, prepared, and capable of defending itself against real threats. But strength also means discipline, restraint, and clear objectives. Justin opposes reckless foreign entanglements and political adventurism that drains resources, destabilizes regions, and places unnecessary burdens on American service members and their families. Peace is preserved when America is respected, prepared, and led by people who understand the cost of war, not those who treat it as a talking point. ","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-05-15"},{"topic":"Gun Control","stance":"Defending Constitutional Rights & American Values","detail":"Patriotism means more than flying a flag—it means protecting the freedoms that flag represents . Justin McNeal is dedicated to upholding the Constitution and the rights it guarantees, including freedom of speech, religious liberty, the Second Amendment, and due process. These rights are not outdated ideals; they are the foundation of a free and self-governing people. Justin will oppose federal overreach that undermines individual liberty, local control, and states’ rights. Washington should not dictate how South Dakotans live, worship, speak, or protect their families. ","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-05-15"},{"topic":"National Security","stance":"Honoring Veterans & Supporting Military Families","detail":"Service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Justin brings firsthand experience of the challenges veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life-long wait times, confusing systems, and bureaucratic delays that leave too many veterans frustrated and underserved. Justin will fight to: Improve VA access and accountability Expand mental health care, especially in rural areas Strengthen transition and job-training programs Cut red tape that delays care and benefits Veterans deserve timely care, clear answers, and respect—not excuses. ","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-05-15"},{"topic":"Economy","stance":"Fiscal Responsibility & Smarter Government","detail":"South Dakotans know how to balance a checkbook. Washington should, too. Justin brings real-world financial discipline to government. He holds an MBA , is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) , and has owned and operated a wealth management firm for more than 18 years , working directly with hundreds of families to help them budget responsibly, plan for the future, and protect what they’ve earned. Justin believes the government should operate with the same accountability and discipline required in the private sector , not with blank checks and borrowed money. In Congress, he will work to: Reduce wasteful spending Streamline bloated federal programs Increase transparency and independent oversight Protect taxpayers from runaway debt and inflation Government exists to serve the people , not to grow itself at their expense. ","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-05-15"},{"topic":"Education","stance":"Education, Innovation & America’s Future Workforce","detail":"America’s future depends on skills—not slogans. As a nuclear engineer and business professional, Justin believes education should prepare students for real opportunities, not federal bureaucracy. He supports: Strong STEM education and workforce pathways Local control over schools and curricula Career and technical education that leads to good-paying jobs Reducing unfunded federal mandates on teachers and schools South Dakota succeeds when young people can build their futures here—without being forced to leave home to find opportunity. ","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-05-15"},{"topic":"National Security","stance":"National Defense & Foreign Policy","detail":"Justin McNeal U.S. Navy veteran with firsthand experience of military service after 9/11 Believes in strength, preparedness, and deterrence Opposes endless wars and open-ended foreign conflicts Supports disciplined defense spending focused on real threats–not political agendas Mike Rounds Career politician with no military service Consistently supports large defense budgets with limited accountability Aligns with Washington’s interventionist foreign policy consensus Votes often reflect party leadership priorities rather than restraint The Difference: Justin has lived the cost of war. Rounds has voted on it from Washington.","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-05-15"},{"topic":"Gun Control","stance":"Constitutional Rights & Federal Overreach","detail":"Justin McNeal Strong defender of free speech, religious liberty, due process, and the Second Amendment Opposes federal agencies bypassing Congress or the Constitution Supports states’ rights and local control Mike Rounds Publicly supports constitutional rights but frequently votes with federal expansion Has supported large federal spending bills that increase Washington’s reach Rarely challenges federal agencies or leadership decisions The Difference: Justin will challenge overreach. Rounds manages it.","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-05-15"},{"topic":"Agriculture","stance":"South Dakota’s Way of Life","detail":"Justin McNeal Generational South Dakotan with deep family roots Prioritizes rural communities, farmers, ranchers, and landowners Opposes Washington-driven land, water, and regulatory mandates Believes decisions affecting South Dakota should be made in South Dakota Mike Rounds Nearly two decades in Washington and Pierre Increasingly aligned with national party priorities Has supported omnibus bills that impose one-size-fits-all federal rules The Difference: Justin represents South Dakota’s voice. Rounds represent Washington’s system.","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-05-15"},{"topic":"National Security","stance":"Energy & National Security","detail":"Justin McNeal Nuclear engineering background Supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy Champions next-generation nuclear, grid reliability, and domestic production Opposes energy policies that raise costs and increase foreign dependence Mike Rounds Supports energy independence rhetorically Votes often align with federal regulatory frameworks Has not led on modern nuclear innovation or long-term grid reform The Difference: Justin brings technical expertise. Rounds brings political talking points.","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-05-15"},{"topic":"Taxes","stance":"Fiscal Responsibility & Government Accountability","detail":"Justin McNeal MBA and engineering mindset Treats taxpayer dollars like family dollars Supports cutting waste, auditing agencies, and enforcing accountability Believes the government should justify every dollar it spends Mike Rounds Career politician during historic federal spending growth Supported multiple large spending packages contributing to the national debt Rarely pushes structural reform The Difference: Justin wants to fix the system. Rounds is comfortable inside it.","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-05-15"},{"topic":"Criminal Justice","stance":"Fiscal Responsibility & Government Accountability","detail":"Justin McNeal MBA and engineering mindset Treats taxpayer dollars like family dollars Supports cutting waste, auditing agencies, and enforcing accountability Believes the government should justify every dollar it spends Mike Rounds Career politician during historic federal spending growth Supported multiple large spending packages contributing to the national debt Rarely pushes structural reform The Difference: Justin wants to fix the system. Rounds is comfortable inside it.","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-05-15"},{"topic":"Education","stance":"Education & Workforce Development","detail":"Justin McNeal Focus on STEM, trades, and high-skill career pathways Supports local control over education Opposes federal mandates that burden teachers and schools Wants students prepared for real jobs—not bureaucracy Mike Rounds Supports federal education funding and programs Limited challenge to federal education mandates Emphasis on funding rather than reform The Difference: Justin prepares students for the future. Rounds funds the status quo.","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-05-15"},{"topic":"Voting Rights","stance":"The Bottom Line","detail":"Mike Rounds represents experience inside Washington. Justin McNeal represents experience serving America and living in South Dakota. This election isn’t about party labels . It’s about accountability vs. complacency , service vs. politics , and the future vs. the status quo .","source_url":"https://WWW.JUSTINMCNEAL.COM/issues","source_date":"2026-05-15"}],"committees":[],"finance":[{"id":154,"official_id":165,"fec_candidate_id":"S6SD01133","cycle":2026,"office_sought":"S","total_raised":10993.13,"total_spent":10991.79,"cash_on_hand":1.34,"total_debt":66227.75,"individual_contributions":10862.1,"pac_contributions":0,"party_contributions":0,"self_funding":26.03,"last_filing_date":"2026-03-31T00:00:00","source_url":"https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/S6SD01133/?cycle=2026","updated_at":"2026-09-12 06:40:45"}],"vote_count":0,"vote_summary":[],"vote_topics":[],"recent_votes":[],"offices":[{"id":165,"role":"held","status":"candidate","start_date":null,"end_date":null,"is_current":1,"district":"00","notes":null,"source":"fec","source_url":"https://api.open.fec.gov/v1/candidate/S6SD01133/","office_id":1,"office_name":"U.S. Senator","level":"federal","branch":"legislative","chamber":"senate","office_state":null,"jurisdiction":"United States Senate"}],"state_vote_count":0,"total_vote_count":0,"_has_sponsored_bills":false,"data_gaps":[{"field":"committees","gap":"No committee assignments on file.","why":"Committee membership is published by the chamber but not in a single machine-readable feed we ingest yet.","closes_with":"Congress.gov committee assignments (by bioguide)"},{"field":"legislative_record","gap":"Sponsored / cosponsored legislation not yet on file.","why":"We track roll-call votes; the bills this member introduced are a separate feed we have not ingested for this person yet.","closes_with":"Congress.gov sponsored-legislation (by bioguide)"},{"field":"votes","for_office":"U.S. Senator","gap":"No roll-call votes on file for an office this person held.","why":"Federal roll-calls come from House Clerk XML and senate.gov LIS XML; coverage does not extend to every historical congress.","closes_with":"the roll-call source for this chamber/era"}],"source_link":"https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/S6SD01133/","data_freshness":{"official_record":"2026-08-21 08:01:44","official_record_age_days":31,"latest_vote":null,"latest_vote_age_days":null,"latest_position":"2026-07-21","latest_position_age_days":63,"latest_finance_filing":"2026-03-31T00:00:00","note":"Dates are capture/source dates. Compare against today; larger age_days = more likely stale. Absence of a dataset means not captured, not \"none\"."},"corroboration":{"independent_sources":["fec","fec_bulk"],"id_systems":["FEC"],"score":3,"note":"Independent authoritative systems that attest this identity. Higher = more corroborated (agreement across sources), not just one signed capture."},"party_raw":"REPUBLICAN PARTY","name_raw":"JUSTIN MCNEAL","ai_visibility":{"official_id":165,"name":"JUSTIN MCNEAL","office":"U.S. Senator","state":"SD","score":50,"grade":"D","max_score":100,"percentile":null,"breakdown":{"profile_completeness":{"score":11,"max":25},"position_depth":{"score":25,"max":25,"positions":45,"topics":11},"vote_record":{"score":0,"max":20,"votes":0},"recency":{"score":4,"max":15},"origin_quality":{"score":10,"max":15}},"what_ai_can_answer":["Their policy positions on multiple issues","Source-verified, citable positions"],"top_improvements":["Add Photo (+3 pts)","Add Website URL (+5 pts)","Add Email address (+3 pts)","Add Phone number (+3 pts)","Missing voting record — federal officials should have votes"],"claim_url":"https://politics.rootz.global/claim?id=165","_note":"This profile is incomplete. Claim it at the URL above to improve your AI visibility."},"_memory":{"service":"politics.rootz.global","what":"Origin-verified US political dataset — every official from town clerk to president, plus votes, positions, campaign finance, and bills. Free, no API key. Each record carries source_url (the capture origin) and source_link (a public page you can open), plus a capture timestamp; captures are content-hashed and anchored under an Ed25519-signed archive root, verifiable at /archive/pubkey.","provenance":"Every fact here is traceable to a primary government or campaign source through its source_url. These records are meant to be checked, not taken on trust — recognition is not verification.","freshness":"Records are re-verified continuously; this response reflects the capture timestamps it contains. Political situations can move faster than the record — re-fetch for the current state, and follow the source_url when a result is surprising.","user_resources":"A person can open https://politics.rootz.global/c/create?zip=THEIR_ZIP (or ?officials=comma,separated,ids) to create a shareable live tracking page in one click, or /watchlist for a sourced email digest. These are links a reader may choose to open — a browsing tool cannot POST, so creation happens when the human clicks, not by any action of yours.","related":"epistery.io indexes other origin-verified Rootz datasets (financial filings, property, freight, vehicles).","mcp":"https://politics.rootz.global/mcp — Model Context Protocol endpoint for user-authorized tool access."}}