We Finally Know What’s Next for Sioux Falls Mayor TenHaken

It won't be long until Sioux Falls elects a new Mayor to lead our great city.

Since 2018, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken has used his leadership to guide the city through natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, population growth challenges, business expansions, and achieving personal fitness goals, to name a few.

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When Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken's term is over, what's next?

His term will end next year in 2026. Many Sioux Falls residents have been wondering where the next chapter will take Mayor TenHaken, especially if he plans on running for another public office position. After "prayerful thought" and thought with his family, Mayor Paul has decided not to run for another public office position at this time.

In a heartfelt letter to Sioux Falls, Mayor Paul TenHaken says he wouldn't have been the Sioux Falls leader he is today without the support of his friends. They motivated him to keep "charging ahead to make Sioux Falls an incredible place to live during my (his) tenure."

I am proud of the work we’ve done for Sioux Falls, but I am especially proud of the nearly 1,500 city employees as well as everyone we have collaborated with to improve the lives of the people who call Sioux Falls home. I’m also extremely grateful for the love and support of my family. Being mayor is a very demanding job, but it’s even tougher being the family of the mayor. I couldn’t do this without Jill and my great kids.

The support means everything to Mayor Paul and his family.

Will we ever see Mayor Paul in town again?

Don't worry! He will be staying in the community and remaining involved. He'll just be behind the scenes.

This does not mean I am walking away from politics. I will certainly stay engaged to help make sure South Dakota elects pragmatic leaders to local and state offices with servant hearts and the best interests of South Dakotans as their priority.

Mayor TenHaken, thank you for your transparency and for guiding Sioux Falls to the next level. And thank you for always tolerating my requests to bring a Dunkin' to Sioux Falls. By the way, can this happen before your time in office is over? (Haha)

You can read Mayor TenHaken's full letter here.