Meyer returns to Legislature

Gov. Jim Pillen announced Jan. 14 the appointment of Sen. Fred Meyer of St. Paul to fill the Legislative District 41 seat left vacant by the resignation of former Amherst Sen. Dan McKeon.

A native of West Point, Meyer is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has been active in numerous community and agricultural organizations. He served for more than a decade on the Nebraska State Board of Education.

Meyer also previously served as a representative for District 41. He served for one regular legislative session and a special session after being appointed in 2023 to complete the last year of a term left vacant by the resignation of former Sen. Tom Briese of Albion.

During a press conference announcing the appointment, Pillen said Meyer would “be an asset from day one” given his previous experience as a member of the Legislature.

Meyer said he initially was hesitant to return to the Capitol but was convinced that he could contribute to a successful 2026 legislative session by being able to “hit the ground running.”

“Once you’re in the game, then you give it your all, which I promise to do [with] my fellow senators,” Meyer said. “I promise to work hard on the issues in front of us.”

Meyer was sworn in by Secretary of State Bob Evnen following the press conference and his term began immediately. Meyer will serve until a special election is held in November 2026 to choose a representative to fill the final two years of McKeon’s unexpired term.