LINCOLN - Gov. Pete Ricketts on Tuesday, June 7 announced Kathleen Kauth of Omaha as his appointee for Legislative District 31.

Five people applied to fill the vacant seat and four were interviewed, according to Ricketts. He said he made his decision to choose Kauth for her business experience. Kauth owns K.T. Beck Enterprises, and previously ran for Omaha City Council last year. The governor said the new state senator’s family moved to Nebraska in 2012. A graduate of Northern Iowa University, she obtained her degree in criminology and sociology, her master’s degree in public policy, and also holds a certificate from UNO in gerontology.

When asked if Kauth's pro-life stance was a factor in her being appointed, Ricketts said "I always look to appoint pro-life candidates because this is a pro-life state.” Many are watching the legislature for a possible special session following any action by the United States Supreme Court on abortion this summer.

Additionally, Kauth stated she supports Constitutional carry.

“I think there’s a happy medium somewhere” between input from law enforcement and what the public wants, “but if it’s in the Constitution, that is the highest law of the land.”

Legislative District 31 includes part of Douglas County in southwest Omaha, as well as most of the Millard neighborhood, and was left vacant after the passing of State Sen. Rich Pahls of Omaha on April 27. Following her being sworn into office, Kauth announced she is planning to run for election to the seat in November should be successfully gather the 2,000 signatures required to appear on the ballot. Due to the timing of the vacancy, the seat goes up for election on the November ballot, and as it is after the primary candidates must petition on. Those successfully gathering the required signatures will all appear at that time for consideration. If successful she would serve the remainder of the term until January 2025.

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