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

Alex Jensen’s decision not to run means half of City Council will turn over in 2024, opens door for Richard Thomason

Sioux Falls City Councilor Alex Jensen will not seek a second term at Carnegie Town Hall, and is endorsing a former state lawmaker to take his place.

Jensen, a former lawmaker himself, told The Dakota Scout this week he’s choosing not to run for reelection in the 2024 municipal election, while Richard Thomason announced his candidacy to fill the At-large seat Jensen has held since 2020.

“While I’m saddened my term on the Council is coming to a close, I’m incredibly excited Richard has decided to run,” said Jensen, who wants more time for family and business. “He has a sincere understanding of the issues facing our community, and I know he’ll be a great advocate for public safety and fiscal responsibility.”

Thomason is a member of the Sioux Falls Zoning Board of Adjustments, and served in the South Dakota Legislature in 2021 and 2022, representing District 13 in the state House. According to a campaign release, he’s an advocate for fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets and low taxes and “has a commonsense approach to decision making that involves research and communication with both sides of an issue to be fully informed.”

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“Sioux Falls is one of the best places to raise a family, and I want it not only to stay that way but get even better,” said Thomason, who works in the finance industry. "I have great respect for our city government and am excited for the opportunity to get involved in a meaningful way to help take Sioux Falls to the next level.”

Jensen had also been floated as a potential candidate for the Legislature next year, but said Wednesday he won’t look to get back to the state Capitol next year either.

“I am focused on finishing my term on Council,” he said.

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Jensen’s departure from the City Council means half the government body will turn over after next year’s April election. Councilors Greg Neitzert, Pat Starr and Marshall Selberg are unable to seek reelection due to term limits.

Ryan Spellerberg, a Sioux Falls mortgage lender, announced his candidacy for Selberg’s Southwest District seat Monday, and attorney Tarek Maalouf declared a run for Starr’s Northeast District spot.

The Sioux Falls city election is Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

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