Geist to resign from Legislature to focus on mayoral race

Lincoln Sen. Suzanne Geist announced her resignation from the Legislature April 5, effective at the end of day April 6.

Geist, who was elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, made the announcement one day after the Lincoln mayoral primary, from which she advanced to the May 2 general election. She has served as chairperson of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee since January of this year.

“I’m going all in on this race, spending full time running for mayor of Lincoln,” Geist said in a video released by her campaign.

Gov. Jim Pillen is responsible for appointing an individual to fill Geist’s seat. Legislative District 25 covers parts of southeast Lincoln and Lancaster County, including the city of Bennet.

Eligible applicants must have lived in the district for one full year, be registered to vote and be at least 21 years old.

The appointee will serve the final year of Geist’s term, which ends in January 2025, and will be eligible to run for the seat in November 2024.