LINCOLN - A current State Senator is vying to become the Capital City's first Republican Mayor in nearly a quarter-century.

Suzanne Geist announced she would run for the position in September, stating that she has a different vision for Lincoln than the current mayor, Leirion Gaylor Baird.

The state's District 25 representative is emphasizing her desire to support law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders with the resources necessary to make Lincoln a safe community for all, according to her campaign website.

Geist's campaign is also focusing on economic growth, local business, and city infrastructure.

The Republican Senator, who represents southeast Lincoln and Lancaster County, has held her current position since 2016, being re-elected in 2020 in a city that has been primarily blue in recent history. Democrats currently occupy six of Lincoln's seven city council seats.

Lincoln's last Republican Mayor was Mike Johanns, who served two terms from 1991 to 1998.

Geist is running against current Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and fellow Republican, and local radio executive, Stan Parker.

The city's primary election is scheduled for April 4, 2023, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election on May 2.