Thomsen Was Inspired by Late Cousin, George Holm, to Run for Legislature

WAKEFIELD, NE — Julie Thomsen was prepared to help but not run for State Legislature in 2018.

The Wakefield resident had been to training events with her cousin George Holm of O’Neill and was planning to help with his campaign to represent District 40.  But, tragically, Holm died in a sledding accident just before the race heated up.

Holm’s death inspired Thomsen to make a run.

“He was very intelligent, a very caring person,” Thomsen said.  “I guess I just felt like I needed to carry on what he had started.”

Thomsen’s reason to run is different than the other five candidate’s vying for term-limited Tyson Larson’s seat but so are her other qualities.  She is the only woman running and is the only registered Democrat in the officially non-partisan race.  She says the Unicameral could use a more moderate stance.

“I’m willing to work with Republicans or anyone on issues,” Thomsen said. “I hate to see it as a Republican or a Democrat issue, let’s just come together on the best for Nebraskans.”

But just like the other candidates, Thomsen sees property tax reform as the top issue for District 40 constituents.  Just like many rural Nebraskans, she’s frustrated with the legislature’s lack of progress.

“The biggest issue that they’re supposed to be addressing waits for the last minute for the vote,” Thomsen said.  “If this is the most important thing for all Nebraskans, why is it being put off and we’re working on these other things that aren’t nearly as important.”

Thomsen was born and raised on a farm near Wakefield and currently works with the Department of Health and Human Services.  The top two vote-getting candidates will advance from the May 15th primary election.

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