Draft:Kirk Penner
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Kirk Penner | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Nebraska State Board of Education from the 5th District | |
| Assumed office December 23, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Patricia Timm |
| Personal details | |
| Born | York, Nebraska |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Jennifer |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Nebraska Wesleyan University (BA) |
| Website | Campaign Website |
Kirk Penner is a business owner, former member of the Aurora School Board, and current member of the Nebraska State Board of Education representing District 5. He was appointed to the seat by Governor Pete Ricketts to succeed Patricia Timm who retired.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Kirk Penner was born in York, Nebraska. His family would later move to Aurora, Nebraska. He attended Nebraska Wesleyan University and obtained a bachelors degree in Business Administration.[2]
Business Career
[edit]Kirk Penner is the President of Penner Manufacturing. The company produces bathing systems for healthcare and residential customers.
He is also the President of Penner Patient Care that helps distribute bathing systems to long-term care facilities.[3]
Political Career
[edit]Kirk Penner sat on the Aurora School Board for 16 years from 2005 to 2021 before his appointment to the Nebraska State Board of Education.[4] He also ran against incumbent Adrian Smith in the 2018 U.S. House of Representatives primary election in Nebraska Congressional District 3. He was defeated by Adrian Smith.[5]
On December 23rd, 2021, Kirk Penner was appointed to the Nebraska State Board of Education in District 5, by Governor Pete Ricketts. He succeeded Patricia Timm upon her resignation who decided to retire.
Penner filed his candidacy in the 2022 midterm elections to seek a full term on the board.[6] He ran against Independent candidate Helen Raikes who is a retired UNL professor. Penner beat Raikes in the primary election 60.7% to 39.3%. However, both candidates got to advance since the election is nonpartisan and they were the only two who filed. Penner defeated Raikes in the general election 54.7% to 45.3%.[7]
Electoral History
[edit]| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Adrian Smith (incumbent) | 50,878 | 65.7 | |
| Republican | Kirk Penner | 20,116 | 26.0 | |
| Republican | Aaron Kowalski | 4,461 | 5.8 | |
| Republican | Larry Bolinger | 1,935 | 2.5 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Kirk Penner | 32,492 | 60.7 | |
| Independent | Helen Raikes | 21,007 | 39.3 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Kirk Penner | 43,050 | 54.7 | |
| Independent | Helen Raikes | 35,631 | 45.3 | |
- ^ Jespersen, David. "KIRK PENNER APPOINTED TO STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION". Nebraska Department of Education. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ "Kirk Penner's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ "Gov. Ricketts appoints Kirk Penner of Aurora to State Board of Education". Nebraska TV. NTV News. 23 December 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ "Kirk Penner - District 5". Nebraska State Board of Education. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ "Smith wins primary in Nebraska's 3rd District". 1011 Now. Associated Press. 16 May 2018. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ "Kirk Penner files for Nebraska State Board of Education District 5 seat". 3 News Now. 31 January 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ "Kirk Penner". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 7 April 2025.