Editor's note: This story is part of a series of stories leading up to the April 12 election. Follow the "2022 City Election" tag for more.
Simplified: Three people are hoping to fill the mayor's seat for the next four years. Here's a look at who's on the ballot for the April 12 election.
Why it matters
- The mayor leads a town of more than 200,000 people as well as overseeing a city government with nearly 1,300 employees.
- The mayor also sits on the Sioux Falls City Council, which oversees a more than $650 million annual budget.
- 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.
Here's a breakdown of the candidates. Candidates are listed in the order in which they'll appear on the ballot.
Paul TenHaken
Age: 44
Family: Wife, Jill, and children Jade (15), Max (12) and Nora (8)
Profession: Incumbent mayor, former founder and CEO of Click Rain
Community involvement: Volunteer with church, takes annual service trips to Haiti
Taneeza Islam
Age: 44
Family: Husband, Tim, and two sons, Zaki (11) and Amiri (7)
Profession: Executive Director of South Dakota Voices for Peace and South Dakota Voices for Justice
Community service: Serves on South Dakota council to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, on several SD BAR committees, and on the Great North Innocence Project
David Zokaites
Age: 60
Family: Two daughters, one in town and one in Salt Lake City
Profession: Former database administrator, now a "student of government" and public activist
Community involvement: Recipient of JC Penny Community Award, volunteers at a local school, engaged in local government
