Glen A. Vilhauer
Glen Vilhauer grew up on a family farm near Tripp, South Dakota, and graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1981. He spent more than three decades as a CPA and shareholder at Vilhauer Raml & Snyder PC before retiring in 2015, then served on the Watertown City Council from 2015 to 2023, including terms as Council President and Deputy Mayor. He and his wife Darla have lived in Watertown for 45 years and have three adult children and six grandchildren. Elected to the SD State Senate in 2024, he now serves on the Senate Appropriations, Joint Appropriations, and Retirement Laws committees.
Why they’re
Sensible
Glen Vilhauer brings a rare combination of small-town roots, financial expertise, and hands-on local government experience to the Senate. A retired CPA who served eight years on the Watertown City Council, he joined the Senate Appropriations Committee as a freshman and helped co-chair the revenue subcommittee that set the fiscal framework for the state's $7.5 billion budget. He has consistently championed funding for Lake Area Technical College, fought to keep city and county decision-making out of state hands, and showed principled independence on defense policy when he opposed a politically popular bill that would have undermined the state's National Guard commitments.
Key positions
“I am a farm boy at heart and also a long-time business owner. I understand the concerns of the farming community while also supporting ongoing economic development in South Dakota.”
“My time on the City Council has taught me how to listen to constituents' concerns and attempt to find a solution to their issues. I will be their advocate in Pierre just as I have been here in Watertown.”
“When I joined the Guard, the oath I took said I would protect and preserve the Constitution of South Dakota, as well as preserve and protect the Constitution of the United States. I joined the National Guard, not the state guard. Please vote against this.”
“We have been blessed with strong conservative representation in Pierre over the years. I hope to continue to bring a conservative common sense approach to the citizens of this District and the people of South Dakota.”
Also running for
SD State Senate · District 05
Every other candidate filed for this seat, listed for transparency. Our Sensible slate reflects the full field — not just a single pick.