Press Release | April 18, 2025 | by David Zokaites DavidZokaitesMayor@gmail.com | 605-251-0691
2215 E. Mulberry St. | Sioux Falls, SD 57103-0536
The race has begun—and David Zokaites is leading the charge.
David Zokaites is officially the first and only candidate to declare his bid for the 2026 Sioux Falls mayoral race—and he’s not just tossing his hat into the ring, he’s coming in with fire, focus, and a future-forward vision for the city we love. He’s the only candidate so far to register a campaign committee with the city clerk, making his run not only the first—but the boldest.
For more than a decade, Zokaites has been laser-focused on local government. He’s spoken at City Council meetings a jaw-dropping 190 times, presenting deeply researched ideas on everything from tackling homelessness and addiction to planting more trees and strengthening police training. When others stayed silent, Zokaites stood up—for transparency, for solutions, and for people.
Born near Pittsburgh, Zokaites holds a Bachelor of Science from RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) and built a career in scientific computing, digital imaging, and database management. His technical mind, paired with a passion for community, has led him to treat politics like systems engineering: “Understand the process. Fix the process.”
His mission? A government that truly serves “We the People.”
Zokaites believes our leaders must honor the Constitution and fight for the “Blessings of Liberty” for every generation. That means civil rights protected, compassion practiced, and police equipped to serve with both strength and understanding. He doesn’t just talk the talk—he walked into federal court without a lawyer in a 2019 civil rights lawsuit, standing against city government to defend personal freedom and public accountability. He’s gearing up to file another lawsuit addressing false arrest, injuries from handcuffing, and inhumane jail conditions—because justice shouldn’t require a fortune to pursue.
And at the heart of his campaign? Compassion.
An Eagle Scout, Zokaites has policies that echo the teachings of Jesus—caring for the downtrodden, housing the homeless, and offering practical solutions that benefit everyone, including taxpayers. He proposes zoning reforms to reduce construction costs and make housing more affordable, especially for young adults starting out. It’s smart. It’s fair. And it doesn’t cost the city a dime.
Zokaites doesn’t just bring policy—he brings heart.
In 1998, he co-won the JCPenney Golden Rule Award for teaching karate to kids in a local school. They learned to fall, to fly, and to believe in themselves. That spirit—of teaching, empowering, and uplifting—infuses everything he brings to Sioux Falls.
Now, he’s ready to serve.
With energy. With integrity. With bold ideas and a backbone of steel.
“I want to create practical, caring, honest government to help all the citizens of Sioux Falls,” Zokaites declares. And he means all—rich or poor, young or old, struggling or thriving.
Let’s build a city that works—for everyone.
P.S. True to form, Zokaites adds a moment of beauty to every message. This release features a serene “Enjoy Sioux Falls” landscape by his daughter Elizabeth—an artist, writer, and entrepreneur—reminding us that even in the fight for better governance, we should always remember to appreciate the world we’re working to improve.
For David’s sake, I hope Sierra runs, too. He won’t look as crazy anymore.
We live in the land of the free and home of the brave. Trump represents neither considering his disregard for the law and disrespect for veterans. David Zokaites has fought to preserve his freedom. I too proved city government denies citizens rights to due process. I spent $40k but (after 8 years) won a Supreme Court decision. Under TenHaken, the city acquired the Alliance building complex. Dozens of veterans groups pay exorbitant leases such that they’ve become insolvent. The Alliance became another unsuccessful city commercial venture that unfairly competes with public functions. If electing Zokaites will stop Trump policy at city hall. It should happen. He’s a little left field but it’s better than the present autocracy. A new city charter is needed. Start with that.
This might be a good time for this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rvVPqdl2iw
Or, would you rather experience some Rickrolling at this time? …….:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4WlUXrJgy4
( and Woodstock adds: “Say, do you have any Dua?”……
)
The city must stay out of the commercial real estate business. They suck at it. If they’re looking for somewhere to put tax money, use it to fill potholes. Public money can’t be used for commercial gain and especially not used to compete against private enterprise. It took 20 years for the Pavilion to make a trickle of profit. The State and Orpheum Theaters will never be profitable. Eighty million spent for railroad yards is money spent on land with to many easements and major environmental issues. It can’t be developed. There’s already a new events center. Another one is not needed. The mayor lets contracts without competitive bid and council awareness. Hush money deals with private developers is common. Then, the city builds a border wall to keep homeless out. This is not the City of Sioux Falls, it’s organized crime.
When will the Zombie sequel be released?
I still want to see a Mike Z. versus Matt P. run-off…. #PintoVersusLamborghini
#pintobeansvschickenstrips
I believe there is a strip bar in Tijuana called ‘Pinto Beans & Chicks’…..
I wouldn’t trust this guy to run even a grocery store cart corral.