Gov. Jim Pillen appoints a familiar face to District 41; Fred Meyer

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A familiar face is returning to the District 41 seat.

Fred Meyer was appointed by Gov. Jim Pillen on Wednesday, following Senator Dan McKeon’s resignation on Tuesday.

McKeon stepped down after he was accused of inappropriately touching a coworker last year.

SEE ALSO: Sen. Dan McKeon announces resignation before state senators vote on expulsion

Pillen said he skipped the application process to fill the vacancy as soon as possible.

Meyer served in this same seat before, during the 2024 legislative session.

He calls this a full-circle moment. But didn’t intend to return until Pillen called him.

“About 10 days ago, Coach Pillen started looking down his bench, and there was one guy at the end who didn’t want to make eye contact with him,” said Meyer. “He said ‘Meyer, you’re in the game. That’s why I’m here today, cause I believe once you’re in the game, you give it your all, which I promise to do to my fellow senators. I promise to work hard on the issues that are in front of us.”

Despite Meyer’s familiarity with the seat, that wasn’t the primary reason Pillen thought he was the best fit. He discussed his strong interest in rural Nebraska.

“I got to see Fred do things in places nobody ever talks about,” Pillen said. “He has a love and passion for rural Nebraska, and a love and passion for kids.”

Meyer says now that he’s in this position for a second time, he has a better grasp of the task at hand.

“This time, I have experience,” Meyer said. “I think I’m much more ready to hit the ground running. I’m ready to go to work.”

Meyer will begin serving the legislature on Thursday.

Voters in District 41 will decide on a permanent replacement during a special election in November.

Whether Meyer would run for that seat? He says it is to be determined.