Lincoln Police Union endorses Suzanne Geist for mayor

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Suzanne Geist, a state senator running for mayor, has been endorsed by the Lincoln Police Union.

Geist made the announcement during a Thursday press conference at the Nebraska Gift Shop in downtown Lincoln.

“Suzanne has been a productive partner with Lincoln Police Union in our effort to provide a safe place to work and live,” union members said in a statement. “She has consistently stood with us, and we are proud to stand with her in the upcoming election.”

Geist emphasized that safety is a top priority of her mayoral campaign.

“I have met with hundreds of Lincolnites, and a central theme I often hear is how we need to address the public safety issues in this city,” Geist said in a press release.

She will be running against the current Lincoln mayor, Leirion Gaylor Baird, in the city election.

Gaylor Baird announced her bid for reelection back in November.  She released a statement Thursday in response to the endorsement:

“We have supported our first responders in every single budget,” Gaylor Baird said in the release. “The total number of Lincoln Police Department professionals added during my administration is up to 31 (18 additional sworn officers). The total number of Lincoln Fire and Rescue personnel added to the department during my administration is up to 28. We’re committed to public safety and I have the record to prove it.”

Former Husker and radio executive Stan Parker is also running to become Lincoln’s next mayor.

The mayoral primary will be held on April 4.  The general election is on May 2.