Mary Ridder
Mary Ridder | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Nebraska Public Service Commission from the 5th district | |
| In office January 5, 2017 – January 5, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Jerry Vap |
| Succeeded by | Kevin Stocker |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 7, 1957 |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | John Ridder |
| Children | 6 |
| Education | Creighton University (B.A.) |
| Occupation | Rancher |
Mary Ridder (née Guynan) is a Republican politician from the state of Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Public Service Commission from 2017 to 2023.
Early career
Ridder was born in Schuyler, Nebraska, in 1957, and graduated from Schuyler Central High School in 1975. She later attended Creighton University, graduating with her bachelor's degree in 1979. Ridder settled in Callaway, where she worked as a rancher.[1]
Nebraska Public Service Commission
In 2016, Ridder challenged incumbent Public Service Commissioner Jerry Vap in the Republican primary.[2] She argued that she would bring a "valuable rural and landowner perspective" to the commission, citing her experience as a rancher.[3] The race between Ridder and Vap was close, and the original count showed that Ridder had defeated Vap by 36 votes. Following a recount, Ridder's victory over Vap was confirmed to be 46 votes.[4] Ridder faced no competition in the general election and was elected unopposed.[5]
Ridder ran for re-election in 2022. She was challenged in the Republican primary by businessman Kevin Stocker[6] and Dakota Delka. Stocker narrowly defeated Ridder, winning 41 percent of the vote to her 39 percent.[7]
References
- ^ Heltzel, Kate, ed. (2021). Nebraska Blue Book 2020-21 (PDF). Clerk of the Nebraska Legislature. Retrieved February 11, 2026.
- ^ "Ridder announces her run for District 5 seat". Kearney Hub. April 9, 2016. p. 3. Retrieved February 11, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Pritchard, Erika (April 23, 2016). "Ridder points to rural skills for candidacy". Kearney Hub. p. 3. Retrieved February 11, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Duggan, Joe (June 14, 2016). "Recount confirms that western Nebraska incumbent lost his seat". Omaha World-Herald. p. 10. Retrieved February 11, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Gale, John A. (2010). Revised Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers, General Election, November 8, 2016 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved February 11, 2026.
- ^ "Stocker Declares for Dist. 5 Public Service Commission Seat". KMOR. Scottsbluff, Nebraska. February 19, 2022. Retrieved February 11, 2026.
- ^ Gale, John A. (2022). Official Report of the Nebraska Board of State Canvassers, Primary Election, May 10, 2022 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved February 11, 2026.