Kearney mayor files as candidate for state legislature

KEARNEY, Neb. — A politician with decades of experience in city government is officially taking aim at a spot in the state legislature.

Kearney Mayor Stan Clouse filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office as a candidate to represent Legislative District 37 in the unicameral. The district includes the Buffalo County communities of Kearney, Gibbon, and Shelton.

“While I have been campaigning for a few months I’m excited to officially file my candidacy for the Nebraska Legislature,” Clouse said in a statement. “It’s been an honor to serve as the Mayor of Kearney and I’m proud of the over $1 billion in economic development we’ve delivered while maintaining the lowest municipal property tax levy of any Class I city. I look forward to campaigning hard to earn support across District 37 and will continue to be a strong, conservative voice for our communities in Lincoln.”

The seat is currently filled by John Lowe, who can't run again because of term limits.

Clouse, a Republican in the officially non-partisan race, has served as Kearney mayor since 2006 and has been on the city council for 20 years. He recently retired from Nebraska Public Power District after a 45-year career.

Lana Peister of Kearney, also a Republican, has filed as a candidate as well. The top two vote-getters from the May 14 primary will advance to the November general election.