Brace yourselves, Superior! A political showdown is brewing in the 2nd District, and for once, it’s not just about potholes and parking complaints.

Councilor Jenny Van Sickle, who has held the seat since 2017, now faces a challenger: Sarah Anderson, a mental health professional who—**important distinction—**is not married to Mayor Jim Paine. (We repeat: Not. Married. To. The. Mayor.)

Anderson lives in District 2 with her actual husband and children, while Van Sickle, also a District 2 resident, is married to Mayor Paine, who does not live in District 2 but instead lives in the 7th District, where Councilor Ruth Ludwig lives, but they aren’t married either. (Still following? Good. There will be a quiz later.)

Meanwhile, Van Sickle chairs the Public Works Committee, which means she gets a front-row seat to the crater-filled obstacle course we call streets—while doing absolutely nothing about it. She also oversees the department that graciously lets you pay to blacktop your own city alley. But don’t worry, she’ll happily remind you that the Osaugie Trail is freshly blacktopped—because clearly, that’s what needed fixing first.

Both candidates have shared their thoughts on the upcoming election. Stay tuned as this race heats up—because in Superior politics, nothing is ever as simple as it seems their stance on topics such as the replacement of lead water pipes, private utilities, housing and childcare.