Bennington financial manager Taylor Royal is running for the 18th legislative district and received an endorsement from that seat’s occupant.
State Sen. Christy Armendariz of Omaha is eligible for reelection but is declining to run, citing low pay for lawmakers.
Royal, a Republican, is a partner at Royal Wealth Partners, which operates in 49 states and manages $1.5 billion in assets, according to a press release.
“As a husband, father and small business leader, I understand the challenges young professionals, working families and seniors are facing,” Royal said. “I’m running to be a common-sense voice for District 18 and make Nebraska more affordable, more competitive and more secure — so families can grow, seniors can thrive and young professionals choose to stay and succeed right here in Nebraska.”
Royal, 35, previously ran in primary races to be Omaha mayor in 2017 and state treasurer in 2018 but didn’t reach the general election in either campaign.
In the Legislature, he said he would focus on modernizing the tax code, investing in workforce development, protecting programs that ensure quality of life for veterans and seniors and ensuring “our kids continue to have access to the highest quality education and the tools they need to succeed.”
Royal has racked up endorsements from Rep. Don Bacon, State Auditor Mike Foley, former Gov. Dave Heineman and a slate of other elected and former officials. That includes Armendariz, who told the Nebraska Examiner that she could not afford to stay in the Legislature, where lawmakers earn $12,000 annually. Armendariz previously worked as a sourcing specialist at a hospital system and is the vice chair of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee. She did not respond to calls from The World-Herald.
Armendariz, a Republican, won 56% of votes in her 2022 race. It was the first time she sought public office. Royal called the seat one of the most competitive in the state with a “diverse and highly-educated electorate.” District 18 is situated in northwest Omaha.
Jess Goldoni, who co-leads a Nebraska-based AI firm, has also announced her candidacy in the district.
The primary for the district will be in May, and the general election will be in November 2026.
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