State Senator Jamie Smith Enters 2026 Sioux Falls Mayoral Race with Message of Unity

A New Chapter in Sioux Falls Politics

Jamie Smith, currently serving as a Democratic senator in the South Dakota legislature and former gubernatorial candidate, has officially announced his candidacy for Sioux Falls mayor.

The announcement comes as current Mayor Paul TenHaken reaches his term limit, ensuring new leadership for the city in the upcoming election.

Political Background and Campaign Launch

Smith’s campaign kickoff is scheduled to take place at the Washington Pavilion, making him the second candidate to officially enter the mayoral race. The announcement has already garnered support from notable political figures, including State Representative Greg Jamison, who praised Smith as an excellent candidate for Sioux Falls residents.

One of Smith’s key campaign focuses will be strengthening the relationship between the city and state government, particularly in addressing issues such as sales tax decline. This partnership is viewed as crucial for the city’s future development.

Election Landscape and Competition

The race is shaping up to be competitive, with several credible candidates potentially joining the field. Current Republican legislator Greg Jamison is considering entering the race, and former city councilor Christine Erickson is also in the running. Joe Batcheller, notably the only candidate without previous elected office experience, has also joined the race.

The 2026 mayoral election is planned to coincide with the statewide primary in June, following a new state law passed in the current legislative session.

Looking Ahead

Smith enters the race with a campaign message focused on creating opportunities for all residents, though he faces the challenge of navigating partisan politics in the upcoming election. With multiple candidates in the running, the race is expected to be closely contested, where even a small margin of votes could make the difference between victory and defeat.