Five Candidates Vie for Sioux Falls Mayor's Seat

Voters may get two chances to pick the city's next CEO-like leader

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:50am

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A vibrant, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and silhouettes of city buildings in shades of blue, grey, and red, conveying the dynamic and evolving nature of urban politics.The Sioux Falls mayoral election will shape the city's future leadership and policy direction, reflecting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of urban politics.Sioux Falls Today

Five candidates are running to become the next mayor of Sioux Falls, a position with significant executive and legislative power. Voters will likely have a runoff election to choose between the top two finishers, given the crowded field. Sioux Falls Simplified has interviewed each candidate to help voters understand their stances on key issues.

Why it matters

The mayor of Sioux Falls wields substantial authority as the city's chief executive, with the power to shape policy and administration. Historically, Sioux Falls mayors have often won re-election, meaning the winner this year is likely to serve for the next eight years. With five candidates in the race, a runoff election is probable, giving voters two chances to select the city's next leader.

The details

Sioux Falls operates under a 'strong mayor' form of government, where the mayor functions as the city's CEO with executive and administrative powers. The mayor also has a vote on the city council, giving them a role in the legislative process. Given the mayor's outsized influence, the winner of this year's election will likely shape Sioux Falls' direction for the next eight years.

  • Early voting for the Sioux Falls mayoral election begins on Friday, April 19, 2026.
  • If no candidate wins a majority in the initial election, a runoff between the top two finishers will be held at a later date.

The players

Candidate A

A longtime city council member with a focus on economic development and infrastructure improvements.

Candidate B

A political outsider promising to bring a fresh perspective and focus on community engagement.

Candidate C

A former state legislator campaigning on a platform of fiscal responsibility and public safety.

Candidate D

A business leader touting her experience in the private sector and ability to attract new investment.

Candidate E

A community activist advocating for increased social services and environmental sustainability.

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What they’re saying

“As mayor, I will work tirelessly to ensure Sioux Falls remains a vibrant, business-friendly city that attracts new investment and creates good-paying jobs.”

— Candidate D, Mayoral Candidate

“My top priority is to strengthen our neighborhoods and give a voice to all residents, not just the wealthy and well-connected.”

— Candidate E, Mayoral Candidate

What’s next

The Sioux Falls City Council is expected to hold a final vote on the $8 million tax-increment financing (TIF) proposal for the downtown rail yard development next week.

The takeaway

This crowded mayoral race highlights the importance of the mayor's role in Sioux Falls and the need for voters to carefully evaluate each candidate's vision and qualifications. The likely runoff election will give residents two opportunities to shape the city's future leadership.