Progressive activist wants spot on Sioux Falls City Council

Allison Renville joins two others in race for lone city-wide spot up for grabs in April election

And then there were three.

Progressive activist, domestic violence victims' advocate and business owner Allison Renville has filed her candidacy in the Sioux Falls City Council election this spring, seeking to fill the at-large spot being vacated by Councilor Alex Jensen.

“This platform will showcase my value for honesty, fortitude and having the wisdom to get the job done,” the 39 year old said in a campaign announcement released this week. “For far too long, Sioux Falls has been led without progress for the powerless and solely focused on the illusion of special interests, leading to a repetitive cycle lacking real upward motion.”

COUNCIL RACE COVERAGE

Head of one of South Dakota’s top nonprofits wants spot on Sioux Falls City Council

Second candidate declares candidacy in Sioux Falls' lone city-wide contest in 2024

Sioux Falls Councilor won't seek second term, endorses former lawmaker to take his place

Banker's candidacy marks unofficial kickoff to the 2024 election cycle in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls attorney wants the Northeast District spot on City Council

Second candidate enters Sioux Falls Northeast District contest

A media consulting professional, Renville is no stranger to politics, having been active in national and statewide campaigns for more than a decade. She was involved in the Obama for America campaign in 2008 and Sen. Bernie Sanders' presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020.

She’s also worked to support statewide Democratic candidates. However, Renville told The Dakota Scout in an interview Thursday that she’s no longer a registered Democrat after walking away from the party last year.

“Lots of people are feeling polarized by both sides,” she said, though she remains a progressive with ambitions of being a voice on the City Council for communities in Sioux Falls that are typically underrepresented or left out of the civic process entirely.

NEWS: Education committee dismisses school safety bill, cites cost as primary concern

Renville becomes the seventh to declare a candidacy in the spring municipal election — to be held April 9 — when half of the City Council will turn over.