Full Breakdown
Sioux Falls Mayoral Runoff Leads to Recount After Two-Vote Margin
6/25/2026, 5:37:51 AM
Runoff Result and Immediate Outlook
The June 24 runoff for Sioux Falls mayor ended with former city council member Christine Erickson ahead of state senator Jamie Smith by two votes. The certified tally shows Erickson with 18,280 votes and Smith with 18,278. County officials say no further ballots are pending, and both campaigns expect a recount.
Candidates and Recount Rules
Erickson, a Republican-aligned council member, is backed by Attorney General Marty Jackley and would be Sioux Falls’ first female mayor. Smith, a Democrat and 2022 gubernatorial nominee, seeks to flip the office. State law allows a recount when the margin is two percent or less, or five votes or fewer, after a canvass.
Vote Totals, Provisional Ballots and Discrepancies
Five provisional ballots were examined; two were validated, each adding one vote to both candidates, while three were rejected for non-residence. Reported totals differ: one source lists Erickson 18,279 and Smith 18,277; another lists 18,280 and 18,278. The combined vote total after provisional ballots is 36,558, with a turnout of 24.17 %.
Official Statements & Responses
City Clerk Jermery Washington said the provisional-ballot review was conducted with procedural integrity and noted the canvass set for Friday. Auditor Leah Anderson confirmed the two provisional votes as valid. Erickson thanked supporters, called the narrow margin proof that “every vote matters,” and expressed confidence in a recount.
Criticism & Opposition
Smith declared the race “not over,” refused to concede, and pledged to pursue a recount and further investigation, emphasizing that the outcome is not final.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Vote totals differ by one vote per candidate across sources.
- Turnout data appears only in one source.
- The exact date for the recount hearing is not provided, only that it is expected in July.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When people think, ‘My voice doesn’t count,’ this is a prime example — every vote matters,” — Christine Erickson, mayoral candidate
- “This is not over. Right now, I want you to know that we are not conceding. We are not going to accept this. There will be a runoff and there will be other things. A recount. Thank God! Not another runoff. Sorry, we’re done with that. Once is enough. There will be a recount that has to take place and there are some other things that we are looking into this time,” — Jamie Smith, mayoral candidate
- “If you don’t live within city limits, then, naturally, you can’t vote in a city election,” — Jermery Washington, Sioux Falls City Clerk
- “To my family, friends and supporters, I couldn’t have done this without you.” — Christine Erickson
What’s Next
The city council will canvass and certify the runoff on Friday. After certification, either candidate may request a recount; a recount board must be appointed within ten days, and the recount is slated for July. The final decision will determine whether Sioux Falls elects its first female mayor.
