Public Servant, Not a Politician: Senator Glen Vilhauer Enters the Campaign Home Stretch
- Steve Jurrens
- May 28
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - With the upcoming primary election just around the corner on June 2nd, South Dakota State Senator Glen Vilhauer (District 5) is hitting the ground running in what he calls the "home stretch" of his re-election campaign.
Bringing a refreshing, positive, and upbeat approach to the race, Senator Vilhauer is drawing on his deep community roots and a stellar legislative track record to guarantee that District 5 remains a premier place to live, work, and raise a family.
Connecting with the Pulse of the Community
For Senator Vilhauer, real leadership doesn't happen behind closed doors in Pierre; it happens at local fixtures like the Wheel Inn, pouring coffee, handing out rolls, and listening directly to the concerns of everyday South Dakotans.
"I’ve got my finger on a pretty good pulse of the community," Vilhauer notes. "Having lived here my entire adult life, I understand what people's concerns are and what their needs are."
When speaking with constituents, one word dominates the conversation: affordability. From property taxes and healthcare to groceries and gasoline, families are feeling the squeeze. While Vilhauer candidly admits these broad challenges cannot be transformed overnight by a single piece of legislation, he remains fiercely committed to a steady, thoughtful approach to easing the financial burden on local citizens.
Setting the Record Straight: Truth and Transparency
In the final days of a campaign, rumors often fly. Senator Vilhauer values transparency above all else and recently took time to clear up misconceptions being circulated by outside groups and opposing voices:
· Senate Bill 201: Misleading claims have attempted to tie Vilhauer to this 2024 bill. The truth? Vilhauer wasn't even in the state legislature during the 2024 session, meaning he had absolutely no "dog in that hunt."
· The Northern Codington County Data Center Rumor: Vilhauer clarified that no data center is being planned or permitted in Northern Codington County.
· Waverly Battery Storage Center: The actual project in development is a battery storage facility near Waverly. A Public Utilities Commission (PUC) public hearing is scheduled for early July to openly discuss the merits of the plan. Vilhauer previously supported Senate Bill 135 (the Data Center Bill of Rights) to ensure that when technological infrastructure is built, it directly protects citizen interests.
A Proven Legislative Track Record
As a retired CPA, Senator Vilhauer approaches state government with an eye for fiscal responsibility and constitutional principles. His legislative philosophy rests on core tenets that empower locals rather than top-down government mandates.
Campaign Pillar | Commitment to District 5 Voters |
Balanced Budgets | Ensuring state expenditures never exceed revenues, protecting taxpayers. |
Local Control | Keeping state government out of the way of the local officials who know their communities best. |
Veterans & Military | Providing unflinching support to the National Guard, active military, and veterans. |
Public Education | Standing as a staunch advocate for public schools and institutions like Lake Area Tech in Watertown. |
Vilhauer’s principled approach has earned him highly coveted endorsements from both the NRA and the South Dakota Agribusiness Association.
Led by Kindness, Focused on the Future
Amidst the frequent divisiveness of modern politics, Senator Vilhauer anchors his campaign in a philosophy passed down by the late Senate Secretary, Peggy Lorenz: Be good to people and choose kindness first. Vilhauer views his role not as a career politician, but as a dedicated public servant. It is a sacrifice he gladly makes, backed fully by his wife and campaign manager, Darla, his co-chairs LuAnn Straight and Don Robey, and his family. His ultimate motivation hits incredibly close to home.
"I’ve got six young grandchildren who live within an hour and a half from here," Vilhauer says. "I want them to have the same exact opportunities that my wife and I had living here, running a business, and raising our children in Watertown. South Dakota is a great place to live, and I want to guarantee that for future generations."
With a reputation as one of the hardest-working legislators in Pierre—personally responding to every single constituent email he receives—Senator Vilhauer is asking for your support to continue working rationally, professionally, and tirelessly for you.
Don't forget to make your voice heard! Early voting is currently open, and the primary election takes place on Tuesday, June 2nd.
