George W. Norris Legislative Chamber, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
AMHERST — In the race to represent the Nebraska Legislature’s District 41, Dan McKeon took the lead, with Ethan Clark coming in second.
Primary election results determine the top two candidates who will advance to the November general election.
District 41 is currently represented by Senator Fred Meyer, who was appointed to the position in 2023 to replace Senator Tom Briese, who was appointed as State Treasurer by Governor Jim Pillen.
According to the Nebraska Secretary of State’s website, McKeon was able to claim 3,378 votes, or 45.1 percent, while Clark was in second with 2,931 votes, 39.2 percent.
Also running was Nadine Bane, who received 1,166 votes, or 15.6 percent.
When asked what qualifications he would bring to the seat, McKeon said the entire district thrives on agriculture and with his background and commonsense approach, has helped prepare him.
McKeon said forging relationship with constituents would be a key for success and feels that seeing eye-to-eye with others is a lost art that needs to be reestablished. He said the senators are also responsible for representing Nebraska and not just their district.
Clark has experience with the Unicameral, having worked for a former senator. He also has worked in Washington D.C. for a number of members of Congress, including Senator Deb Fischer and Congressman Adrian Smith.
“That will help me hit the ground running at the Legislature,” Clark said. He noted the Unicameral is unique among the 50 states and said its workings are unique, which could take someone time to adjust to, but he noted his past experience working with the body.
