Ricketts appoints Theresa Thibodeau to Legislature

Oct. 19, 2017, 3:44 a.m. ·

Theresa Thibodeau stands with Gov. Pete Ricketts in 2017
Theresa Thibodeau speaks after Gov. Pete Ricketts announced her appointment to the Nebraska Legislature. (Photo by Fred Knapp, Nebraska Public Media News)

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Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Thursday he is appointing Theresa Thibodeau to replace Sen. Joni Craighead in the Nebraska Legislature. Craighead resigned her position. Thibodeau will represent Omaha’s 6th District.


Thibodeau owns the Primrose School early childhood education center franchise in LaVista along with her husband. Governor Ricketts cited her small business experience in announcing her selection.

For her part, Thibodeau said she thinks under Ricketts’ leadership, the state is on the right course.

“We must continue to pursue policies that attract and promote jobs and investment in Omaha and across the state of Nebraska, push for achievement in our classrooms and continue to show fiscal discipline. We must stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave men and women of law enforcement and ensure that they have all of the necessary tools to keep us safe,” she said.

Thibodeau, a Republican, is the sister of Omaha City Councilwoman Aimee Melton. Ricketts said Thibodeau would run for election next year.

Democrat Machaela Cavanaugh, daughter of former Congressman John Cavanaugh, has also announced her candidacy. Candidates for the officially nonpartisan Legislature are not identified by party on the ballot.

For more on Thibodeau from the governor's news release, click here.