STURGIS, S.D. – The third candidate running for Sturgis Mayor released her official candidacy announcement on Thursday.

Richelle Bruch says she has deep roots in the Sturgis community.

Raised in the area and after experiencing life beyond the Black Hills, she returned in 2010 to make Sturgis her forever home. A wife, mother of four, and grandmother of three, with children and grandchildren currently growing up in Sturgis, Bruch says she has built her life alongside the people of the community.

Bruch founded Challenge for Charity, returning $33,000 to local nonprofits, and created the 90% Holiday Challenge to drive community investment in local businesses. She currently serves as Vice Chair of Planning and Zoning, member of the Safe Streets for All Committee, Chair of Sturgis Outdoors, President of Sturgis Soccer Association, and President of Golden K Kiwanis.

In her release, Bruch says she has three core pillars she wants to work on. They include collaborate government, community pride and moving the community forward.

Here is Richelle Bruch’s full press release:

Long-standing Sturgis community member Richelle Bruch will appear on the ballot for the Sturgis Mayoral Race on June 2, 2026.

Bruch has deep roots in the Sturgis community. Raised in the area and after experiencing life beyond the Black Hills, she returned in 2010 to make Sturgis her forever home. A wife, mother of four, and grandmother of three, with children and grandchildren currently growing up in Sturgis, she has built her life alongside the people of this community.

Her record of service reflects years of showing up for Sturgis. She founded Challenge for Charity, returning $33,000 to local nonprofits, and created the 90% Holiday Challenge to drive community investment in local businesses. She currently serves as Vice Chair of Planning and Zoning, member of the Safe Streets for All Committee, Chair of Sturgis Outdoors, President of Sturgis Soccer Association, and President of Golden K Kiwanis.

Bruch’s campaign is built around one simple belief: Sturgis is at its best when it works together. Her three core pillars reflect that belief.

COLLABORATIVE GOVERNMENT Sturgis works best when everyone has a seat at the table. That means listening to community members, bringing all voices into the conversation, and making decisions that reflect the needs of every resident, not just a select few. Government should work for the people it serves and that starts with leadership that is always accessible, always listening, and always accountable to this community.

COMMUNITY Sturgis is more than a destination, it is home. Investing in quality of life, sustainable outdoor recreation, youth programs, and safe streets means building a place where every demographic and every generation wants to put down roots. When families thrive, when neighbors look out for each other, and when every resident feels valued, that is when a community truly becomes something special.

MOVING STURGIS FORWARD The future of Sturgis belongs to everyone who calls it home. That means growing the local economy by creating year round opportunities, not just for tourism, but for local businesses and residents who deserve sustainable livelihoods every day of the year. It also means ensuring the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally reaches its highest potential for every resident and business in this community. By attracting new industry, supporting existing businesses, and positioning Sturgis as a destination worth investing in every season, the goal is simple: success in Sturgis should be shared by everyone.

“Sturgis is already something special. Together we will make sure it reaches every bit of its potential,” Bruch said.

Voting is June 2, 2026. The Sturgis community can follow her campaign at www.bruchformayor.com.