Pillen taking applications for upcoming Nebraska Senate seat, Unicameral post
Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse’s resignation effective Jan. 8; State Sen. Mike Hilgers resigning Jan. 3
LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) - Governor-elect Jim Pillen is officially taking applications for Ben Sasse’s Senate seat.
Sasse will officially resign at noon Sunday, Jan. 8, according to a news release from Pillen’s team. Sasse had previously announced on Twitter that he would leave the U.S. Senate in the new year but did not specify an exact date. Sasse received final approval from the University of Florida about a month ago to become its next president.
“I am confident that Governor-Election Pillen will appoint someone who will serve Nebraskans well in Washington,” Sasse said in his resignation letter submitted to Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts.
Pillen officially takes office on Jan. 5. Sasse’s resignation paves the way for the governor-elect to appoint the next junior Senator of Nebraska.
Applications for the senate seat are due to Pillen’s office by Friday, Dec. 23.
Sasse’s base salary is listed at $174,000.
Pillen is also taking applications for the state senator representing Dist. 21, as State Sen. Mike Hilgers, who also serves as Nebraska Legislature Speaker, is resigning Jan. 3.
“Consistent with past practice during gubernatorial transitions, Governor-elect Pillen will work with Governor Ricketts to consider applicants and make an appointment,” Monday’s news release states.
Applications for the Dist. 21 state senator post — representing a portion of Lincoln as well as Lancaster County towns of Waverly, Raymond, Malcolm, and others — are due by Dec. 19.
Submissions for either post can be made online at nebraska.gov/appointments or sent to the Nebraska State Capitol Room 1315, 1445 K St., Lincoln, NE 68508.
The Unicameral elects the speaker every two years.
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