Based on the latest episode of Dakota Town Hall, hosts Murdoc and Jake Schoenbeck welcomed newly elected Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson and Second Lady Sara Venhuizen for a conversation that ranged from Erickson’s razor-thin election victory to Venhuizen’s lifelong perspective on South Dakota politics.

After winning one of the closest mayoral races in Sioux Falls history, Erickson said her administration will begin by listening before pursuing major initiatives.

The new mayor recounted election night, when the initial count left her ahead by just two votes before the race moved to a runoff. She described watching results come in precinct by precinct before the final numbers triggered a celebration among supporters.

“It was wild,” Erickson said. “We knew it wasn’t over, but boy, it felt good to be two votes.”

Now preparing to take office, Erickson said her transition team represents a broad mix of perspectives and will spend its first 100 days gathering public input through listening sessions focused on affordability, economic development, public safety and government efficiency.

“I quickly realized how I needed to pivot that message to just listening,” Erickson said. “What do the people want?”

She also discussed endorsing Gov. Larry Rhoden in the Republican gubernatorial runoff, saying her decision was based on years of working with him and confidence that he will continue supporting Sioux Falls.

The second half of the episode shifted to Sara Venhuizen, who reflected on growing up in South Dakota politics as the daughter of former Gov. Dennis Daugaard before later becoming the wife of Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen. She shared stories from decades of campaigns, memories of the State Capitol and how political life has changed.

Venhuizen said technology and artificial intelligence have transformed campaigns, but she believes personal relationships remain the deciding factor.

“People can tell whether people are lying to them or not,” she said. “They can tell whether people are being genuine or not, and that still really matters.”

She also described politics in her family as an extension of public service rather than public office.

“Public service was the word in our household,” Venhuizen said. “It’s not being a politician. It’s public service.”

The episode concluded with discussion of the upcoming Republican gubernatorial runoff, the recent passing of Sioux Falls philanthropist Denny Sanford, and a lighthearted exchange about burgers, campaign stories and South Dakota political history.