Immigration attorney announces run for mayor

Megan Raposa -

Simplified: Taneeza Islam, an immigration attorney and founder of nonprofit South Dakota Voices for Peace, is looking to lead Sioux Falls. Islam announced her candidacy for mayor on Tuesday.

Why it matters

  • Islam's announcement comes about three weeks after incumbent Mayor Paul TenHaken announced his plans to seek re-election.
  • She's also the first, first-generation American Muslim to seek a citywide office in Sioux Falls.
  • Historically, challengers of incumbent mayors have an uphill battle. An incumbent mayor in Sioux Falls hasn't lost a bid for re-election since 1974, according to City Clerk Tom Greco.
  • Islam said she's running because she sees the growing diversity in Sioux Falls.
"We need to build a welcoming city where everyone feels like they belong," she said. "Building communities for 20 years, I know I'm the right person for this job."

What happens next?

The election is April 12, 2022. There will also be four open City Council seats on the ballot.