Background
A fourth generation South Dakotan, Buhl was born in Aberdeen and raised in Yankton.
A fourth generation South Dakotan, Buhl was born in Aberdeen and raised in Yankton.
She graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2007 with a degree in psychology and music
She has represented the 15th district in Minnehaha County as a Democrat since January 2011. In 2010, Buhl ran against incumbent state senator Kathy Miles, a fellow Democrat. In the primary election held on June 8, 2010, Buhl received 398 votes while Miles earned only 276.
She took office in January 2011.
Buhl was re-elected in 2012 for a second term. Her husband is Jacob O"Donnell.
Buhl is openly bisexual and was the first LGBT member of the South Dakota Legislature.