LINCOLN- An often funny and sometimes teary tradition in the Nebraska Legislature is paying tribute, in floor speeches, to departing state senators near the end of the two-year session. Lawmakers gave short testimonials to their 15 colleagues who are serving their final regular session in the one-house Unicameral. Thirteen are departing due to term limits, two chose not to seek re-election.

Of the departing, 10 are registered Republicans, and five are Democrats in the officially, non-partisan Legislature, where 33 of its current 49 members belong to the GOP. The 2024 elections will determine if Republicans retain a filibuster-proof majority. Members of this group navigated the state through COVID-19, as well as the contentious 2023 session.

Those who are term-limited include Senators Joni Albrecht, Carol Blood, Bruce Bostelman, Tom Brewer, Steve Erdman, Steve Halloran, Lou Ann Linehan, John Lowe, Mike McDonnell, Tony Vargas, Lynne Walz, Justin Wayne, and Anna Wishart. Those opting out of running for reelection include newly appointed Senator Fred Meyer and Senator Julie Slama.

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