John Arch

John Arch is a prominent American politician currently serving as a member of the Nebraska Legislature, representing the 14th district. A member of the Nonpartisan Party, Arch has been in office since his election in 2018. His legislative career has been marked by a focus on various policy areas, including education, healthcare, and taxation. Arch has also taken on leadership roles within the Nebraska Legislature, including serving as the Speaker of the Unicameral as of 2025.

Early life and career

John Arch was born on October 6, 1955. He pursued higher education with a focus on history and philosophy, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Grace University, a Christian college that is no longer in operation. Following this, he obtained a Master of Arts in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, which is now known as Western Seminary, located in Portland, Oregon. Arch later completed a Master of Business Administration at the University of Nebraska Omaha, further enhancing his academic credentials.

Arch's professional career spans over three decades in the healthcare industry, where he has held various roles that highlight his expertise in marketing and business development. He began his career at the Saint Joseph Center for Mental Health in Omaha, Nebraska, where he focused on marketing and business development. His career progressed as he took on more significant responsibilities, eventually becoming the Executive Vice President of Health Care and the Director of the National Research Hospital and Clinics at Boys Town Medical. This extensive experience in healthcare has likely informed his legislative priorities and policy positions.

In his personal life, Arch has been married to his wife, Brenda, for more than forty years. The couple has two sons and has resided in the Omaha Metro area since the 1990s. Arch is actively involved in his community, serving on various boards, including Prairie Health Ventures and the Nebraska Purchasing Group. He is also a member of Overland Hills Baptist Church and Grace Life Bible Church, where he contributes as a board member and teacher.

Legislative service

John Arch was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2018, representing the 14th legislative district. His district encompasses the north-central portion of Sarpy County, including the cities of La Vista and Papillion. Since taking office, Arch has engaged in various legislative activities and has held multiple committee positions. As of 2025, he serves as the Speaker of the Unicameral, a role that places him in a significant leadership position within the Nebraska Legislature.

In addition to his role as Speaker, Arch is a member of several committees, including the Reference Committee, Rules Committee, Executive Board, Legislative Oversight Committee, and the Statewide Tourism and Recreational Water Access and Resource Sustainability Special Committee, which was established by Legislative Bill 406. Prior to becoming Speaker, he served on the Health and Human Services, Urban Affairs, and General Affairs committees, and he was elected chair of the Health and Human Services Committee during the 107th Nebraska Legislature, which spanned from 2021 to 2022.

Arch has also participated in broader initiatives, such as serving as an at-large member of the Nebraska Economic Development Task Force and chairing the Youth Rehabilitation Treatment Center Special Oversight Committee. His engagement in these committees reflects his commitment to addressing various issues affecting his constituents and the state.

In addition to his committee work, Arch maintains a senator's blog on the Nebraska Legislature website during active sessions. This platform allows him to communicate with constituents and provide updates on legislative matters. As Speaker, he is responsible for updating the Nebraska Legislature webpage, which includes procedural information related to the Unicameral.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, John Arch has focused on a range of policy issues that reflect his values and the interests of his constituents. He is known for his pro-life stance and opposition to abortion, aligning with a segment of the population that advocates for restrictions on abortion rights. In terms of gun rights, Arch is a supporter of the Second Amendment, emphasizing the importance of individual rights in this area.

Education is another key area of focus for Arch. He advocates for restricting sex education standards in Nebraska public schools and opposes the teaching of Critical Race Theory. In 2025, he introduced Legislative Bill 296, which aimed to establish a centralized education records system for students under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. This legislation, which passed in the Unicameral, is designed to facilitate the educational continuity of students who may be transitioning through the juvenile justice system.

Arch has also been active in discussions surrounding taxation. He supported the elimination of taxes on military retirement pay, as proposed in Legislative Bill 387 in 2019. This bill was successfully passed in the Unicameral, reflecting Arch's commitment to advocating for the financial well-being of veterans.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Arch expressed opposition to government shutdowns and mandates, advocating for measures that would allow businesses in Sarpy County to remain operational. This position aligns with his broader philosophy of promoting economic stability and individual freedoms.

In summary, John Arch is a dedicated public servant whose legislative work reflects his commitment to his constituents in Nebraska's 14th district. His background in healthcare, education, and community involvement informs his policy priorities, and his leadership role as Speaker of the Unicameral underscores his influence within the Nebraska Legislature.