Glenn’s Story.

Glenn was raised on a dairy farm just outside of Glencoe, where he learned the importance of hard work. In his sophomore year of high school, he enrolled at Dr. Martin Luther Academy in New Ulm, MN. His intention was to begin the necessary schooling to become a Lutheran pastor. His plans came to a halt just prior to his senior year when his parents divorced and he returned to Glencoe to help on the farm and later graduated from Glencoe High School.

During Glenn’s first year at Willmar Junior College, his lottery draft number came up and he enlisted in the Marine Corps. After his discharge from the Marines he attended college at North Hennepin Junior College followed by attending the U of MN with a Business Major.

During that time, Glenn met and married his wife, Emily (Gould), also a lifelong resident of Glencoe. In 1978, they moved back to the Glencoe area where he began his career as an insurance agent and now owns his own independent agency. Glenn attained degrees as a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) from the American College.

Glenn is a member of the Glencoe Rotary and he also participated in jail ministry for 13 years. In 1994 he was elected to the Glencoe Silver Lake school board, where he served for 16 years. In 2010 he was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, serving for 6 terms. Glenn is currently running for the Minnesota Senate in District 17 following the retirement of Senator Scott Newman. Glenn and Emily have three daughters and five grandchildren.

A Family Man.

Married to Emily since 1975, Glenn and his wife have three daughters and five grandchildren.

“Glenn has the ear of the public, and the public knows he will listen to what voters have to say in return. He has built a strong base of support by being accessible, willing to listen, and willing to put in the necessary research to support his views.”

— Rich Glennie, Managing Editor of The McLeod County Chronicle

A Man of Faith and Integrity.

Glenn’s political philosophy stems from his study and understanding of the principles laid out in our founding documents, written by men who believed in the Judeo-Christian worldview. As stated in our Declaration of Independence, Glenn believes that our rights come from God and not from man or government. These rights are unalienable and the right to private property is the cornerstone of our freedom and free market economic system.

These principles are reiterated in the Preamble of the Minnesota Constitution that states: “We the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberties and desiring to perpetuate its blessings and secure the same to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution.” It’s a confirmed fact that 49 out of our 50 United States acknowledge “God, Creator, or Lord” as the Author of our civil and religious liberties in their state constitution’s preamble. Our form of government is a representative republic, not a mob democracy. We have checks and balances on the will of the majority. Ben Franklin has famously stated, “A democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what they are going to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb, contesting the vote.”

A Business Owner.

Glenn has been a pillar in his community and is owner of Gruenhagen Insurance and Financial Services.

A Veteran of The USMC.

Glenn enlisted in the Marine Corps in February of 1971, during the Vietnam war. During his time in the Marines he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant in November of 1972. Glenn’s Commanding officer quickly recognized his leadership skills stating that, “His general performance of duties has been far superior to that normally expected of a Marine of his rank and experience.”

While Glenn’s regiment was not deployed to Vietnam, he spent his time serving at Camp Pendleton, CA. He was honorably discharged in February of 1973, but his time in the Marines taught him many valuable life lessons.

“Through my time in the Marine Corps, I not only grew to appreciate the sacrifice of the men and women who serve our country through their military service, but I learned the importance of showing respect for those in authority over me. I learned to be diligent and hard working in the duties discharged to me. I learned the critical importance of working as a faithful and loyal member of our team. The lessons I learned in the Marines laid a foundation that inspired me to be a more productive citizen for my country.” - Glenn Gruenhagen

TO BE A MARINE YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE IN:
YOURSELF-YOUR FELLOW MARINE-YOUR CORPS-YOUR COUNTRY-YOUR GOD.
SEMPER FIDELIS

A Minnesota Statesman

Glenn is fighting for your values at the Capitol!

“I believe our state and nation are at a crossroads where we must decide if we want to be a land of opportunity or a land of entitlements. The private sector cannot grow or create jobs when government is over taxing and over regulating. In addition, the government promotion of energy policies which are based on faulty science will result in dramatically higher energy costs. This in turn will increase the price of goods and services. As a result, our businesses and families suffer economically. Minnesota's government is running out of money, but I am optimistic that the time for reforming and redesigning government is at hand. Minnesotans have a history of rising to difficult challenges. Our "can do" attitude in all walks of life can right the ship again by returning government to its rightful place; a servant of the people, not our master.”

— Glenn Gruenhagen

District Information.

Glenn is honored to have served and represented the people of McLeod & Sibley Counties for the past 12 years. He is looking forward to continue his representation as a senator in Minnesota’s newly formed District 17. Glenn also fights for the good of all Minnesotans through his principled and pragmatic solutions!