Austin Wolf

Austin Wolf earned a high school diploma from Yankton High School. Wolf's career experience includes working as a plumber.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Austin Wolf — a plumber, small business owner, and lifelong South Dakotan running for State House in District 6. I’m not a career politician. I’ve spent my career working in people’s homes, running a small business, and solving real problems for families across Tea, Harrisburg, and south Sioux Falls.

I own Austin Wolf LLC and previously owned Lou’s Plumbing in Tea, a company I named after my daughter. My fiancée has spent more than 20 years working in long-term care, and between her work and mine, we see firsthand how rising costs, rapid growth, and infrastructure demands are affecting working families and seniors.

I’m running because I believe South Dakota works best when leaders are grounded in the communities they represent. I don’t fit neatly into a party box, and I’m not running to represent a political party — I’m running to represent the people of District 6. I believe in practical solutions, fiscal responsibility, and respectful conversation, even when we disagree.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Put working families first.

District 6 is growing fast, and families are feeling it through rising property taxes, housing costs, and infrastructure strain. I support responsible growth, transparency in spending, and practical solutions that keep South Dakota affordable for the people who live and work here.People over party.

I’m running to represent everyone in District 6 — Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. I believe voters deserve leaders who think independently, answer hard questions, and are willing to work across differences to get things done.Real-world experience matters.

As a tradesman and small business owner, I bring hands-on experience with budgeting, regulations, workforce issues, and infrastructure. I believe South Dakota benefits when more everyday working people — not just career politicians — have a seat at the table.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m most passionate about affordability, responsible growth, and practical governance. District 6 is growing quickly, and that growth is putting pressure on property taxes, housing, schools, and infrastructure. I believe we must manage growth responsibly while keeping South Dakota affordable for working families and seniors.

I’m also passionate about supporting small businesses and the skilled trades. As a small business owner, I’ve seen how regulations, workforce shortages, and rising costs affect local employers. I support policies that encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen workforce development, and promote independent, common-sense decision-making focused on people rather than party.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to former South Dakota Senator George McGovern. I respect his commitment to public service, his willingness to stand by his principles, and his belief that government should reflect compassion, responsibility, and respect for others. Regardless of political differences, he demonstrated that leaders can disagree while still treating people with dignity. His example of independent thinking, civility, and service to South Dakota is one I admire and hope to follow.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, independence, and accountability are most important. An elected official should listen first, represent everyone in their district, and make decisions based on facts and real-world impact. I also believe humility matters — leaders should be willing to admit when they’re wrong, learn, and adjust. Most importantly, elected officials should prioritize people over party and remain accessible to the communities they serve.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility is to represent the people of the district and make thoughtful decisions that serve the long-term interests of South Dakota. That includes responsible budgeting, evaluating legislation carefully, and working with others to solve practical problems. It also means staying accessible, communicating openly, and ensuring state policies reflect the needs of growing communities like District 6.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of standing up for families and future generations, especially my daughter and the women in my life who have shaped my values. I believe this is an important moment in history to speak up for respect, opportunity, and responsible leadership. If elected, I hope to be known as someone who listened, represented everyone in the district, and worked to keep South Dakota a place where families can thrive and feel heard.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was detasseling corn during the summer. After that, I worked at a fireworks stand and later poured concrete while I was in high school. Those early jobs were physically demanding and taught me responsibility, teamwork, and the value of hard work. They also helped set me on a path toward the trades, where I built my career and small business.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Like many small business owners, balancing work, family, and financial uncertainty has been a challenge. Running a business requires long hours, risk, and constant problem-solving. Those experiences gave me a deeper understanding of the pressures working families and entrepreneurs face, and they shaped my belief that policy decisions should reflect the realities people deal with every day.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature is one of cooperation balanced by independence and accountability. Both branches should work together to solve problems, but the legislature must also provide oversight and ensure policies are evaluated carefully. Healthy debate and thoughtful disagreement can lead to better outcomes. The focus should remain on transparency, responsibility, and decisions that serve the people of South Dakota rather than maintaining the status quo.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

South Dakota’s greatest challenges over the next decade include managing rapid growth, maintaining affordability, and improving accountability in state government. After decades of Republican supermajority control, property taxes have risen significantly, and many families are feeling the strain. Communities like those in District 6 are expanding quickly, placing pressure on housing, infrastructure, schools, and utilities. Addressing these challenges will require responsible budgeting, transparency, and a willingness to evaluate long-standing policies. I believe voters deserve accountability and practical solutions that keep South Dakota affordable while preparing for continued growth.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes. Compromise is essential for effective policymaking. Good legislation often comes from listening, finding common ground, and working toward practical solutions. Compromise does not mean abandoning principles; it means respecting different perspectives and focusing on outcomes that serve the broader community. I believe thoughtful collaboration leads to stronger, more durable policy.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

One of the first major historical events I remember clearly was September 11, 2001. Like many Americans, I remember the shock of that day and the sense of unity that followed. It showed how communities can come together during difficult times and reinforced for me the importance of leadership, resilience, and putting country above division.