Promises of collaboration, results hue Erickson's mayoral campaign kickoff

Entry into 2026 Sioux Falls election confirms years of speculations that former lawmaker, councilor could pursue city's top executive position

A Sioux Falls business woman has her sights set on City Hall.

Christine Erickson, a longtime figure in South Dakota politics and a former Sioux Falls city councilor and state lawmaker, officially launched her campaign for mayor Wednesday, declaring her intent to become the city’s next leader in front of a packed crowd in downtown Sioux Falls.

"We are at a pivotal point in our community, and the choices we make now will shape the Sioux Falls of tomorrow," said the 47-year-old mother of three, speaking at the Cherapa Interconnect complex surrounded by family, friends and supporters. "I also know that not everyone will agree on every issue—and that’s okay. Good leadership means listening. It means working with all sides to find real, workable solutions that advance our community, and it means delivering results — not just rhetoric."

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