Listen To This Story
Norfolk real estate president Rob Dover will serve out the remainder of Mike Flood’s term in the Nebraska Legislature’s 19th District, which covers Madison County and the southern part of Pierce County.
"I'm humbled by this appointment," Dover said Friday morning.
Gov. Pete Ricketts appointed Dover at a press conference, and Secretary of State Bob Evnen swore Dover into the Nebraska Legislature. As a lawmaker, Ricketts said Dover will be a strong conservative leader for the district.
"He's going to be strong on pro-life," Ricketts said. "He's going to defend our Second Amendment rights. He's going to look to control spending and to be able to deliver more tax relief in the future."
Rep. Mike Flood vacated the 19th District seat after being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives last month. Voters had elected Flood in 2020 to a four-year term, and Dover will serve through January 2025. Ricketts said Dover plans to run for election the following term.
Dover, president of Coldwell Banker Dover Realtors and Dover Management Company, has been active in Norfolk area real estate business and other development projects since the 1980s.
“I’m a longtime resident of the district, and I’m committed to seeing northeast Nebraska thrive," Dover said in a statement. "I’ve dedicated my professional life to the real estate industry, and I’ll work in the Legislature to help reduce the tax burden on Nebraska’s families. I’ll also use my education and experience in finance to ensure the State wisely stewards taxpayer dollars.”
Flood, a former speaker of the legislature, won a special election against fellow state Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks to replace former congressman Jeff Fortenberry, who was convicted of three felony charges earlier this year.
Ricketts said his office received seven applications for the vacancy from District 19 residents.