Within five years of moving to Sioux Falls, David Barranco had become woven into the fabric of South Dakota’s largest city. His election to the Sioux Falls City Council in 2017 reflected what colleagues said Wednesday ultimately defined his legacy: a gift for connecting with people. Catherine Barranco and Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson exchange words after a celebration of life honoring David Barranco on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Dominik Dausch / The Dakota ScoutTenHaken, Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson and other speakers said Barranco’s rise in South Dakota politics reflected how quickly he was embraced by his adopted community. David Barranco, a former city council member, died on July 6 after being diagnosed with stage IV cancer.