VIEWPOINT | Who will be ready to be next mayor in 2026?

Guest column by Joe Kirby, a government reform advocate

Joe Kirby

With a booming population, growing economy, and a $773 million city budget to manage, South Dakota’s largest city faces an important decision. In 2026, Sioux Falls voters will elect their next mayor, a leader who may shape the city for the next eight years. The question is: Who is ready to do the job?

Due to a recent change by the South Dakota Legislature, the city’s elections will no longer be held in April. The new rules push the vote to either June or November, most likely June, with the possibility of a runoff a few weeks later if no candidate secures a majority.

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