District details
Republicans Roxie Kracl and Dave “Woody” Wordekemper are running to replace Sen. Lynne Walz, a term-limited Democrat, meaning the seat will be represented by a lawmaker with drastically different positions, regardless of who wins.
Kracl has the backing of Sen. Pete Ricketts, Rep. Mike Flood, the Nebraska GOP and the Nebraska Farm Bureau. Wordekemper has endorsements from the state teachers union, the Nebraska AFL-CIO and Nebraska public employee union.
Kracl served as chair of the Dodge County GOP for 15 years in addition to her job as a president of Credit Bureau Services Inc. Kracl said she is running to support other small businesses. She wants to adopt tax and fiscal policies that promote economic growth.
Wordekemper is a firefighter and paramedic for Fremont. He said he is running to continue serving his community and be part of the solution to problems Nebraskans encounter. He would like to ensure Nebraska remains a great place to raise a family and live.
On the issues
Kracl said her top three priorities are: Strengthening Nebraska’s workforce, providing affordable housing and removing barriers holding back growth. Wordekemper’s top three are: fiscal responsibility, providing quality education and promoting economic growth.
Kracl and Wordekemper both expressed support for legislation that would restrict K-12 students’ sports participation and bathroom access to their gender assigned at birth. Both favor restrictions on abortion — with Wordekemper supporting a total ban and Kracl supporting the current 12-week ban.
On school choice, Wordekemper told the Flatwater Free Press that he doesn’t support public tax dollars going to private for-profit schools. Any tax credit program should have income requirements and the school should meet state accreditation standards, he said. Kracl said she believes in school choice but is hesitant about spending tax dollars on the issue. She said would like to hear and learn more before taking a solid stance.
Kracl and Wordekemper both prioritize lowering property taxes. Kracl told the Flatwater Free Press she doesn’t support a shift in tax but would like to find ways to control spending. Wordekemper did not offer specific solutions but promised to work with colleagues and the governor to find a solution.
Location
This district includes the northwest corner of Douglas County, including the city of Valley. The district also stretches to the northwest to include Fremont and the rest of Dodge County.
In the primary
Wordekemper received about 44% of the votes compared to about 25% for Kracl. The remaining percentage was split among three other candidates.
