Biography

Rita Sanders, born Rita Gomez on June 30, 1958, in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a Republican politician representing Nebraska's 45th legislative district. She was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2020, succeeding Sue Crawford. Prior to her legislative role, Sanders served as the mayor of Bellevue, Nebraska, from 2010 to 2018. She and her husband, Rick René Sanders, are commercial real estate developers and co-owners of Richmont Senior Living Retirement Campus in Bellevue. ,

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Graduated from Livermore High School in 1976.
  • Completed dental assisting program at Bryman College, San Jose, California, in 1977.
  • Attended Bellevue University, focusing on Global Studies. ,

• Political Experience:

  • Mayor of Bellevue, Nebraska .
  • Elected to the Nebraska Legislature representing District 45 in 2020.
  • Serves on the Education Committee and the Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Legislative Initiatives:

  • Introduced Legislative Bill 389, facilitating teacher certification reciprocity for military spouses relocating to Nebraska.

• Community Involvement:

  • Member of the UNMC Board of Counselors .
  • Member of the Kiwanis Club of Bellevue .
  • Member of the Bellevue Garden Club .
  • Member of the Offutt Advisory Council .
  • Member of the U.S. STRATCOM Consultation Committee .

• Honors and Awards:

  • AKSARBEN Good Neighbor Award .
  • Small Business Award of Excellence .
  • Ambassador of the Year Award, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce .
  • Silver Arrow Award .
  • Worthy Women of Distinction, Omaha World-Herald .
  • Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame .
  • Excellence in Public Service Award, Filipino Asian American Hall of Fame .
  • Distinguished Service Award, Nebraska National Guard .

Sanders continues to focus on issues such as education reform, support for veterans, and economic development within her district.