SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- Sioux Falls will have a new Mayor--Paul TenHaken defeated Jolene Loetscher in today's runoff election.
In the Central Councilor District, Curt Soehl defeated Zach DeBoer.
TenHaken and Loetscher emerged from a field of six candidates in the general election April 10 in the mayoral race. TenHaken had nearly 3,000 more votes than Loetscher in the general election. Both defeated three former council members--Kenny Anderson, Jr., Greg Jamison, and Jim Entenman--and political newcomer Mike Gunn.
Soehl and DeBoer were the top vote getters in the Central District's field of five. The general was close, with DeBoer over Soehl by 53 votes. They defeated Thor Bardon, Tom Hurlburt, and Scott Barlett.
The mayoral campaign became controversial in the final few weeks, with the candidates at odds over alleged hacking of Loetscher's campaign and personal online accounts and moving to a system of police precincts.
In the last campaign reports filed April 26, Loetcher reported raising $39,525 and spending $20,776.29. TenHaken reported $73,800 in donations for the same period and spending $54,277.77. The final reports for the two mayoral candidates are due July 5.
TenHaken is scheduled to appear on The Greg Belfrage Show at 7:35 a.m. Wednesday.
For the official results, click here to see them on the City's election site.