Sioux Falls City Council ballot takes shape: Here's who's vying for a spot

The deadline to get on the April 14 municipal ballot is a week away.

But the races, or lack there of, appear to be taking shape. Here's a look at who Sioux Falls voters will see on the ballot this spring.

At-large

Councilor Theresa Stehly, 61, thus far is facing one challenger for her at-large seat. That's 32-year-old banker and former lawmaker Alex Jensen.

With no mayoral race on the docket this time around, this will be the race that draws the most attention from both the media and the public. 

More:Sneve: Jensen versus Stehly race is history in the making for City Council elections

Aside from both being Republicans, the candidates have little else in common.

They bring with them to the race vastly different styles and reputations. Stehly, a music teacher and longtime civic activist, is the anti-establishment candidate who's spent four years beefing with her colleagues and the mayor's office. Jensen touts positivity and a desire to rid the council of perpetual conflicts.

If a third candidate emerges by next Friday, it could throw an unforeseen wrinkle into this race.

Northwest District

The contest between candidates in the northwest quadrant of the city pits a well-respected incumbent against a law enforcement officer and Sioux Falls business owner.

More:Sioux Falls City Councilor Neitzert wants four more years at Carnegie Town Hall

When Councilor Greg Neitzert, a 41-year-old computer software engineer, decided to run for office four years ago, he was seen as an anti-establishment option who regularly criticized the policies of former Mayor Mike Huether. But since being elected, he's softened his tone and has played mostly nice with City Hall, both under Huether and Mayor Paul TenHaken.

He hasn't lost his reputation as a stickler for the rules and is considered a planning and zoning guru, acumen he gathered prior to his time on City Council as a member of the city's zoning board of adjustments.

More:State cop, downtown business owner making a run at Sioux Falls City Council

His challenger, Julian Beaudion, 33, is a state trooper who owns Swamp Daddy's Cajun Kitchen with his wife. He's big on public safety and lifting up the under-served and regularly stumps for more diversity and inclusiveness in government.

Neitzert is a Republican, Beaudion a Democrat.

Northeast District

Councilor Pat Starr, 51, is at this point the lone candidate pursuing the seat in the Northeast District up for grabs in April. Starr is an independent contractor in the marketing industry and has spent four years on the City Council clamoring about openness and collaboration between the mayor's office and the council.

More:Transparency advocate Pat Starr announces City Council reelection plans

Starr is a Democrat.

Southwest District

Councilor Marshall Selberg, 52, is also running unopposed thus far in the Southwest District race. A commercial real estate broker in his private life, Selberg has risen through the council ranks during his first term and is currently serving as chair person.

Selberg is a Republican.

More:Marshall Selberg to seek re-election on Sioux Falls City Council