What does a state senator do?

Unlike all other states, which have two legislative chambers (often a House and a Senate), Nebraska has one body tasked with writing and amending laws and appropriating state funds. The 49 members of the Nebraska Legislature each represent a geographic district consisting of roughly 40,000 people.  

Lawmakers, also called senators, serve four-year terms and can serve only two consecutive terms before having to sit out for four years. Elections are nonpartisan, meaning the top two vote-getters in a district advance from the primary to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. Party affiliation is not listed on the ballot. 

Regular legislative sessions begin in early January and last either 90 or 60 days. The governor can call lawmakers back for a special session. 

Lawmakers are paid $12,000 per year, plus expenses.

What’s the big deal?

While the Legislature is officially nonpartisan, lawmakers frequently split along party lines on some of the most contentious issues. Those bills routinely face a filibuster, which can prevent a bill from passing. It takes 33 votes to defeat a filibuster in the Legislature. 

Currently, there are 33 registered Republicans and 15 registered Democrats in the Legislature, plus one registered nonpartisan.

The outcome of the legislative races could embolden or stymie conservatives and their agenda.