Sioux Falls City Council will have three new faces, one returning

Megan Raposa -

Simplified: Three of the four open City Council seats in Tuesday's election will go to newcomers, with only Councilor Curt Soehl maintaining his seat as an incumbent.

Ok, so who won?

At-Large A went to Sarah Cole with about 53 percent of the vote.

  • She beat out incumbent Janet Brekke and another challenger, Bobbi Andera.

At-Large B went to Rich Merkouris with about 57 percent of the vote.

  • He beat out Pam Cole to fill the seat vacated by outgoing councilor Christine Erickson.

Central District went to Curt Soehl with about 52 percent of the vote.

  • Soehl, the incumbent, held onto his seat over challengers Emmett Reistroffer and Jim Burzynski.

Southeast District went to David Barranco with 59 percent of the vote.

  • He beat out Cody Ingle for the seat vacated by Rick Kiley.

Why it matters

  • There were always going to be at least two new faces on the council because outgoing Councilors Kiley and Erickson were unable to run for reelection due to term limits.
  • The third new face came when challenger Sarah Cole beat out incumbent Brekke for the At-Large A seat.
  • City Council in total has eight members, so three new faces will mean a "learning curve," Mayor Paul TenHaken said Tuesday night, but he's excited to work with the newcomers, all three of whom he personally endorsed ahead of Election Day.

What did the candidates have to say?

Sarah Cole was elated as she celebrated at TenHaken's election party. She said she's grateful to the voters and that it's an honor to be elected.

"(I want to) thank voters for trusting me to be their advocate in government," she said.
  • Brekke said she's proud to have served the people of Sioux Falls for more than 40 years, the last four as a councilor.
"It was a privilege to serve on the City Council for four years, and I look on it with great pride," Brekke said. "The voters made their decision, and I respect it."

Merkouris also expressed gratitude to the people who elected him and to his challenger Pam Cole.

"My focus will now be to build bridges on the council and throughout the community, so we can work toward healthy growth and renewal together," he said in a statement.
  • Pam Cole said running for council was an "amazing opportunity" to learn and meet new people in Sioux Falls
"I will continue to work hard to be a voice for marginalized people in our city," she said.

Soehl wasn't able to be reached for comment Tuesday night.

  • His challenger, Reistroffer, said that while he's disappointed, he'll "never stop fighting for the people."
"Unfortunately the political establishment prevailed once again with the support of big land developers and their big donors," Reistroffer said.

Barranco said in a statement that he was "awestruck, humbled and honored" by the result.

"Now, it’s time for the city to unify, working as a team to build a brighter future. I can’t wait to start," he added.
  • Ingle said while he's disappointed in the loss, he's proud of the campaign he ran.
"I hope that those elected will listen to voters and do what's best for the city," Ingle said.

What happens next?

New councilors will take office May 17.