28-05-2025
State senator who ran against Noem announces Sioux Falls mayoral campaign
Jamie Smith, the Democratic state senator and assistant minority leader who unsuccessfully ran against former Gov. Kristi Noem in her 2022 re-election campaign, will be making a bid for Sioux Falls' mayor, according to a news release.
Smith will formally announce his candidacy at 11 a.m. May 31 at the Washington Pavilion, the release said.
Smith has represented District 15 in both the South Dakota House of Representatives and South Dakota State Senate since 2017, spending time in leadership positions during both terms.
More: People to Watch: Who could run for Sioux Falls' next mayor?
While he has yet to file his paperwork to officially run with the city, Smith is the second person to make a firm statement about their plans to run for the mayoral seat, which is being vacated by Mayor Paul TenHaken because of term limits.
The other is perennial candidate David Zokaites, though more candidates are sure to throw their hats into the ring before the 2026 municipal election, which is still awaiting a date to be set by the Sioux Falls City Council.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Democrat state senator announces Sioux Falls mayoral campaign
