District details

Knorr, a hospice nurse, is a Democrat.

Riepe, a retired hospital administrator, is a Republican. He was elected to the Legislature in 2014 and 2022. He was elected to the Ralston Board of Education in 2020.

Knorr is an endorsee of the Nebraska Farmer’s Union, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska, the Sierra Club and the Nebraska Young Democrats. 

On the issues

Knorr said she’s running to give everyday Nebraskans a real voice in the Legislature. She said the will of voters is too often ignored, and Nebraskans deserve better. Riepe said he’s running again because his experience and leadership at hospitals required him to learn how to execute large budgets and strategic plans. He said he believes in being a servant leader who positions the state to progress.

Riepe said the top issue in the district is cultural division that curbs open discussions, which needs to be solved through supporting civility. Knorr said affordability is the biggest issue in the district. If elected, she said she would implement medical cannabis as voters intend to deliver property tax relief.

Knorr said she does not support an increased sales tax and would instead deliver tax relief. Before adding new taxes, lawmakers should take an in-depth look at agency operations and eligibility for entitlements, Riepe said. He said any new revenue should first go toward balancing the state’s budget, and he will not blindly approve new sales taxes if elected.

Riepe said accountability must accompany costly petition-approved programs rather than expecting the Legislature to figure out how to pay for them. Knorr said she does not support changes to voter-approved ballot measures. She said it is the Legislature’s job to implement the paid sick leave, minimum wage increases and medical cannabis measures as intended.

Knorr said Nebraska needs a moratorium on data centers to protect the state’s resources, particularly the Ogallala Aquifer. Data centers will provide Nebraska with needed economic growth, Riepe said. He said data centers create employment, pay large tax bills and are looking to establish self-sufficient sources of water and electricity. 

Concerning the state’s budget deficit, Riepe said legislators reduced the state’s revenue in the 2022 and 2023 sessions without corresponding cuts in expenditures. He said experience in finance is essential in the 2027 session. Knorr said if elected, she would do a line-by-line audit of the state budget to address wasteful spending. She said the state must look at spending while making sure to protect important social programs. 

Knorr said that to combat brain drain, the Legislature should focus on practical issues like affordable housing, affordable healthcare, property tax relief, fully funded public schools and the cost of raising a family rather than social issues. Riepe said economic development through good-paying jobs is essential. He said in-state employers’ growth is not sufficient or diversified enough to attract and retain significant well-educated individuals.