Paul TenHaken is the next mayor of Sioux Falls.
The CEO of a marketing technology agency beat former TV anchor and entrepreneur Jolene Loetscher by 25 percent of the electorate.
Paul TenHaken held on to an early lead that kept growing as precinct results trickled in Tuesday night.
The Argus-Leader reports it’s the largest margin of victory in a Sioux Falls mayoral race since converted to a strong-mayor form of government 24 years ago.
In his celebration speech, TenHaken says the city of Sioux Falls voted for principled, executive leadership experience.
“I feel called to do this, I’m called to serve,” TenHaken says. “I’m super committed to this city. Incase you’re wondering, the mayor gets sworn in on May 15, so it’s go time. We will celebrate tonight and we will get going. So, thank you for being here. The next four years are going to be incredible. Hold me accountable. Let’s get great things done together. I’m so excited, let’s get going.”
Meanwhile, TenHaken’s opponent, Jolene Loetscher hinted at future political ambitions.
“This is more than the title someone holds. This is more than the last nine months. This is about what’s ahead. Because what we did is only the beginning. We have said we were going to sprint a marathon. And guess what, we sprinted a marathon, right up to the starting line.”
Roughly thirty percent of registered Sioux Falls voters participated in the run off election vote for mayor.
