Local and state legislators expressed their condolences and shared fond memories in the wake of the passing of former State Senator and Douglas County Election Commissioner Scott Lautenbaugh. The news of his death emerged on Saturday morning, marking the end of a dedicated public servant’s journey.
Lautenbaugh’s tenure included serving as the Douglas County Election Commissioner from 2000 to 2003, and later, he was appointed to the unicameral in 2007, representing District 18 until 2014. Following his time in the legislature, he transitioned into the role of a trial attorney in Omaha. Scott Lautenbaugh, aged 59, left an indelible mark on both the political and legal landscapes.
Chairwoman Mary Ann Borgeson of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners expressed her condolences, stating that Lautenbaugh was a “friend to many.” In a heartfelt statement, she conveyed the Board’s deepest sympathies to his family and friends, recognizing his contributions as the Douglas County Election Commissioner and State Senator. Borgeson emphasized that Scott’s memory would endure, leaving a void that would be felt but never forgotten.
Reflecting on Lautenbaugh’s passing, a former colleague shared, “I am stunned that my former colleague Scott Lautenbaugh passed away this morning. He was an enterprising, creative, and skilled orator who challenged the status quo and fought for conservative values. In the legislature, he championed fair election laws and was an early advocate for school choice. We are praying for his family and will long remember his incredible sense of humor and his friendship.” The words capture not just the political legacy of Scott Lautenbaugh but also the personal impact he had on those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
