1979 Sioux Falls mayoral election

1979 Sioux Falls mayoral election

←  1974 April 10, 1979 1984  →

Candidate Rick Knobe Clint Clark Richard Barnes Party Nonpartisan Nonpartisan Nonpartisan Popular vote 10,022 3,043 1,784 Percentage 64.40% 19.56% 11.46%

Mayor before election Rick Knobe Nonpartisan Elected mayor Rick Knobe Nonpartisan

The 1979 Sioux Falls mayoral election took place on April 10, 1979. Incumbent Mayor Rick Knobe ran for re-election to a second term. He was challenged by four opponents, including racquet club owner Clint Clark and former State Representative Richard Barnes. Knobe won 64 percent of the vote, avoiding the need for a runoff election.

Candidates

• Rick Knobe, incumbent Mayor ^[1]
• Clint Clark, owner of the Wood Lake Racquet Club ^[2]
• Richard Barnes, former State Representative ^[3]
• Robert Quinn, attorney ^[4]
• Joe Birkenheuer, retired teacher ^[5]

Results

1979 Sioux Falls mayoral election ^[6]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Nonpartisan	Rick Knobe (inc.)	10,022	64.40%
	Nonpartisan	Clint Clark	3,043	19.56%
	Nonpartisan	Richard Barnes	1,784	11.46%
	Nonpartisan	Robert Quinn	381	2.45%
	Nonpartisan	Joe Birkenheuer	331	2.13%
Total votes			15,561	100.00%

References

1. Miner, Jana (January 25, 1979). "Knobe will make bid for re-election". Argus Leader . Sioux Falls, South Dakota. p. 1A. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
2. "Clint Clark running for mayor". Argus Leader . Sioux Falls, South Dakota. January 20, 1979. p. 2A. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
3. "Barnes announces candidacy for mayor". Argus Leader . Sioux Falls, South Dakota. March 21, 1979. p. 1B. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
4. "Robert Quinn announces for mayor". Argus Leader . Sioux Falls, South Dakota. February 21, 1979. p. 1B. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
5. Miner, Jana (March 16, 1979). "Barnes, Birkenheuer may enter mayor race". Argus Leader . Sioux Falls, South Dakota. p. 1C. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
6. "Municipal Election - April 10, 1979 - Official Returns". Sioux Falls City Clerk. Retrieved July 5, 2025.