Well this is a surprise that casual observers were not expecting.
On Greg Belfrage’s show on KELO radio this morning, (As per the Argus Leader) Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead just announced he will not be a candidate in 2026. Making it a wide open race:
After nearly 30 years behind the badge, Mike Milstead says he will not run for re-election and will retire at the end of his term.
In a surprise appearance made Jan. 28 on KELO’s Greg Belfrage weekday morning podcast, Milstead said this is a “huge step” for him.
“I’ve done this since I was 18 years old,” said Milstead. “If you saw me right now, you’d see I have tears in my eyes. I love this community and continue to do the best I can to serve. But I’m ready.
and..
He filed for re-election six times without ever facing an opponent.
After holding the job for an incredible and successful 31-year stretch, that may set things up for a very active election in both the primary and the general.
Stay tuned for more on this as it develops.