STURGIS, S.D. – Unofficial results from Tuesday’s special election show that Sturgis businessman Rod Bradley has been elected mayor of Sturgis.

Bradley received 984 votes, followed by Richelle Bruch with 366 votes and Tammy Bohn with 360 votes.

In the race for the Ward 1 City Council seat, Terry Keszler defeated Brenda Vasknetz. Keszler received 163 votes, while Vasknetz received 121 votes.

The special election was held to fill vacancies in both offices.

Bradley reflected on his campaign with KBHB News Wednesday.

And, Bradley says he wants to get together with council members and city staff.

The mayor’s office became vacant after Mayor Kevin Forrester resigned on March 23, citing health concerns and a desire to spend more time with his family. Forrester was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 2025 and passed away on April 5.

Bradley reflected on that and the future of City Administrator Aaron Jordan today.

Since Kevin Forrester was elected mayor in April 2025, the unexpired term would run until the next regularly scheduled mayoral election in 2028. Therefore, Rod Bradley will serve approximately two years, from his swearing-in until the term expires in 2028.

Mayor Pro Tempore Tony Dargatz has served as acting mayor since Forrester’s resignation and will continue in that role until Bradley is sworn into office.

If you’d like to listen to our full interview with Rod Bradley, you can find the audio under Featured Stories on our On-Demand page here: https://kbhbradio.com/on-demand/