The oldest state senator in the Nebraska Legislature is gearing up for another term. 83-year-old Merv Riepe announced Thursday morning that he will seek re-election for the District 12 seat, which includes portions of Omaha, Millard and Ralston.
The longtime health care administrator says his campaign will focus on solutions, not sides. “District 12 deserves a senator who puts people before politics and who isn’t afraid to stand up for them,” Riepe says. “I’ll continue working to control health care costs, expand access to care, maintain a balanced budget, deliver real tax relief, support public safety, and grow economic opportunity for families across Nebraska.”
During his service in the Legislature, Riepe says he advanced legislation to stabilize health care costs for Nebraska families and to protect women’s sports. He has also worked to strengthen direct primary care and to expand post-hospital recovery options for individuals, veterans, seniors and children experiencing homelessness, including establishing a 25-bed post-hospital Siena Francis House facility for the homeless .
Riepe was first elected in 2014 and lost a re-lection bid in 2018. He returned to the legislature in 2023 and is seeking another four years before he is term limited.