STURGIS – 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. 

Unofficial election results remain subject to canvassing and certification. 

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.

Forrester was elected mayor in April 2025 after previously being appointed to the position in October 2024 following the resignation of former Mayor Angela Wilkerson.

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. 

The Ward 1 council seat became vacant following the resignation of Nick Jones.

Here are the results for mayor from each ward.

Ward 1

Bradley, 145

Bruch, 79

Bohn, 69

Registered voters: 1,242. Voters Tuesday: 267 for a total of 21%

Ward 2

Bradley, 194

Bruch, 97

Bohn, 78

Registered voters: 1,298. Voters Tuesday: 369 for a total of 28%

Ward 3

Bradley, 300

Bruch, 105

Bohn, 99

Registered voters: 1,363. Voters Tuesday: 504 for a total of 36%

Ward 4

Bradley, 345

Bruch, 85

Bohn, 114

Registered voters: 1,436. Voters Tuesday: 497 for a total of 34%

Here are the results for council member 

Ward 1

Keszler, 163

Vasknetz,121