Wendy DeBoer

Wendy DeBoer is a member of the Nebraska Legislature, representing the 10th district. She is affiliated with the nonpartisan party and has been actively serving in this capacity since her election. DeBoer has a diverse educational background and a professional history that includes roles in education and law. She has been involved in various legislative committees and has focused on issues such as education, infrastructure, and public service.

Early life and career

Wendy DeBoer was born on May 16, 1974, in Omaha, Nebraska. She completed her secondary education at Burke High School, graduating in 1992. Following high school, DeBoer pursued higher education at Hastings College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and English in 1996. Her academic journey continued at the University of Nebraska College of Law, where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree in 1999. DeBoer furthered her studies at the University of Nebraska Omaha, receiving a Master of Arts in English literature in 2003. She also attended the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, earning a Master of Arts in theology in 2008. Most recently, she completed a Master of Philosophy in religious studies at Syracuse University in 2015.

In her professional life, DeBoer has worked as an educator and has previously practiced as a lawyer. Her commitment to education is reflected in her legislative initiatives, particularly those aimed at supporting teachers and improving educational outcomes in Nebraska. DeBoer is also active in her community, being a member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, which underscores her engagement in both civic and spiritual life.

Legislative service

Wendy DeBoer was elected to the Nebraska Legislature to represent the 10th district after the previous incumbent, Bob Krist, announced his candidacy for Governor of Nebraska. In her electoral campaign, DeBoer successfully defeated her opponent, Matt Deaver, in both the primary and general elections. Since taking office, she has been involved in various legislative activities and has held significant positions within the state government.

As of 2025, DeBoer serves as the Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee, a role that places her at the forefront of discussions and decisions regarding legal and judicial matters in the state. In addition to her leadership position on the Judiciary Committee, she is a member of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee, the Rules Committee, the Legislature’s Planning Committee, and the Nebraska Information Technology Commission. Her involvement in these committees reflects her commitment to addressing a broad range of issues that affect her constituents and the state as a whole.

In November 2022, DeBoer participated in the Select Interim Ethics Committee, which was tasked with reviewing a case involving former Nebraska Senator Mike Groene. This involvement highlights her engagement in maintaining ethical standards within the legislative body.

Policy focus and district

Wendy DeBoer's legislative priorities encompass a variety of policy areas, including education, infrastructure, and social issues. Her district, the 10th, includes parts of north Omaha and a small section of Douglas County, which informs her focus on local concerns and the needs of her constituents.

In the realm of education, DeBoer has introduced Legislative Bill 1128, known as the Student Loan Repayment Assistance for Teachers Act. This proposed legislation aimed to provide tax deductions for teachers in Nebraska, with the goal of retaining current educators and attracting new talent to the state. Although the bill did not pass, it underscores her commitment to supporting the teaching profession and addressing the challenges faced by educators.

DeBoer has also been active in discussions surrounding infrastructure, particularly in relation to emergency services. She introduced Legislative Bill 1256, which sought to require communications service providers to report on 911 service outages and establish a framework for addressing significant outages. This bill, like others she has proposed, did not pass but reflects her focus on public safety and the importance of reliable emergency services.

In 2025, DeBoer introduced Legislative Bill 600, which aimed to amend provisions related to the Nebraska Rules of the Road and the Automatic License Plate Reader Privacy Act. This legislation sought to empower the Nebraska Department of Transportation to implement speed-detecting systems, such as sensors and radar, to enhance road safety.

On social issues, DeBoer has taken positions that align with supporting abortion rights. She voted against Legislative Bill 632, which sought to impose restrictions on abortion providers regarding the disposal of fetal and embryonic remains. Additionally, she has abstained from voting on several abortion-related bills in previous legislative sessions, indicating a nuanced approach to this contentious issue. Furthermore, she voted against Legislative Bill 574, which aimed to limit access to abortion and prohibit gender-affirming care for minors, demonstrating her stance on protecting individual rights in these areas.

As she continues her service in the Nebraska Legislature, DeBoer has announced her intention to run for the Nebraska Public Service Commission upon completing her current term as a senator. This potential transition reflects her ongoing commitment to public service and her desire to contribute to the governance of Nebraska in new capacities.

Wendy DeBoer maintains a political website, which serves as a platform for sharing her legislative initiatives and engaging with constituents. Through her work in the Nebraska Legislature, she continues to address the diverse needs of her district while navigating the complexities of state governance.