Kathleen Kauth (Senate District 31)

Biography

Kathleen Kauth, born on February 3, 1970, in Canton, Illinois, is a Republican politician serving as the state senator for Nebraska's 31st Legislative District. She was appointed to the Nebraska Legislature on June 7, 2022, by Governor Pete Ricketts to fill the vacancy left by the late Senator Rich Pahls. Kauth subsequently won the general elections in 2022 and 2024, securing her position in the legislature.

Before her political career, Kauth founded K.T. Beck Enterprises, LLC, a mediation and conflict coaching firm based in Omaha. She moved to Omaha with her husband and three sons in 2012, making it their permanent home due to the city's strong schools, low crime rates, and emphasis on family values.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Criminology/Sociology: University of Northern Iowa, 1991
• Master of Public Policy: University of Northern Iowa, 1992
• Graduate Certificate in Gerontology: University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2016

Political Experience

• Nebraska State Senator for District 31: Appointed in June 2022; elected in 2022 and re-elected in 2024
• Committee Assignments:
  • Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee
  • Revenue Committee

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Legislative Initiatives:

  • Sponsored LB574, a bill aimed at restricting gender-affirming care for individuals under 19, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries.
  • Introduced the "Stand With Women Act" in January 2025, seeking to define "male" and "female" in state law and regulate the use of bathrooms and participation in sports based on these definitions.

• Community Involvement:

  • Served on the State of Nebraska’s Aging Advisory Committee
  • Member of the Omaha City Charter Commission
  • Member of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging Foster Grandparents Advisory Board since 2017

Kauth's legislative focus includes advocating for limited government, supporting small businesses, and addressing social issues through proposed legislation.