Todd Wilkinson Announces Campaign for District 8 State Senate

Todd Wilkinson Announces Campaign for District 8 State Senate

De Smet, S.D. — Todd Wilkinson, a fourth-generation South Dakotan, cattleman, attorney, and community leader, has announced his campaign for the South Dakota Legislature.

Todd is a longtime advocate for South Dakota’s farm families and is focused on strengthening rural communities and protecting South Dakota’s way of life.

For nearly four decades, Todd has operated the Wilkinson Law Firm in De Smet, representing families, small businesses, and local governments across Kingsbury, Lake, Miner, and Brookings Counties. His work focuses on agriculture, business, and estate law, and helping South Dakotans protect their land, grow their operations, and pass on what they’ve built to the next generation.

In addition to his private practice, Todd served as Kingsbury County State’s Attorney for two decades, where he built a reputation for fairness, integrity, and common-sense decision-making in local government.

Alongside his son Nick, he also operates Wilkinson Livestock, a family cow-calf and cattle- feeding business. Through years in both the pasture and the courtroom, Todd has developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing South Dakota producers, from rising input costs and taxes to federal regulations that don’t make sense on the prairie.

In 2023, Todd became the first South Dakotan to serve as President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). In that role, he led national efforts to protect private property rights, push back on burdensome federal rules, and strengthen trade and market opportunities for producers. He has testified before Congress and worked closely with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to advocate for South Dakota agriculture and rural communities.

Todd’s commitment to service runs deep. He has served with the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, De Smet Development Council, Governor’s Snowmobile Advisory Board, and the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation. He also serves as president of the church board at American Lutheran Church in De Smet. He has long represented municipalities across the region, including De Smet, Lake Preston, Arlington, Howard, Bancroft, and Oldham.

“Four generations of my family have called this area home,” Todd said. “My late wife Jean and I have raised our three kids here, and now we have ten grandkids growing up right here in South Dakota. I want them and every young family to have the same opportunities we’ve had: to make a living, to raise their families, and to be part of strong local communities. That’s what this campaign is about: keeping government practical, protecting our way of life, and making sure the future of South Dakota stays rooted in the values that built it.”

Wilkinson’s campaign will focus on supporting agriculture, strengthening rural communities, and keeping government accountable and grounded in local control.

Proven. Practical. South Dakota.

For more information, visit ToddWilkinsonForSD.com

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