he 2025 WCRP Christmas party was a wonderful gathering at Too Far North in Ft Calhoun. Ted Japp addressed the group with his announcement of running for State Senate seat LD16 to replace Senator Ben Hansen who is term-limited. NEGOP Chair Mary Jane Truemper also spoke. Sheriff candidates Kevin Willis for Sheriff, Mitch Robinson and Brian Beckman mingled with guests as well. Other elected Republicans attending were Sheriff Mike Robinson, County Attorney Scott Vander Schaaf, Washington County Supervisors Lisa Kramer and Steve Dethlefs Fort Calhoun Mayor Senator Ben Hansen. To see more photos from the Christmas Party click to the WCRP Facebook page HERE
WASHINGTON COUNTY, NE – Ted Japp, a longtime Washington County resident, small-business owner, and advocate for limited government and conservative values, announced today that he will run for Nebraska Legislative District 16. The seat is currently held by Senator Ben Hansen of Blair, who is unable to seek re-election due to term-limits. District 16 includes Washington, Burt, and Cuming counties and part of Stanton county.
A fifth-generation Washington County resident, Japp was raised on a dairy farm near Kennard and graduated from Bennington High School before attending Peru State College and the University of Nebraska – Kearney. He went on to earn his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern College of Chiropractic—graduating first in his class—and served in private practice for 33 years.
“I’m running because Nebraska needs effective, limited government—government that protects our freedoms, supports families, and stays out of the way, so people can succeed through their own hard work,” Japp said. “Common sense must guide our decisions. People truly want life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and I intend to work every day to protect those ideals.”
Japp previously served on the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board of Directors (Papio NRD), elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, representing Washington, Dakota, and parts of Burt, Thurston, and Douglas counties. He chose not to seek re-election in 2024. Japp is also a member of the Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association, a former church board member, and past president of the Lions Club.
“My priorities are clear: defend the unborn, protect our 2nd Amendment rights, support limited and transparent government, and stand up for the most vulnerable including those with developmental disabilities who too often lack a strong voice,” Japp added. “I will listen to the people of this district, work hard, and provide steady, principled leadership.”
Japp and his wife, Lori, have three children and three grandchildren. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys Bible studies, preaching at his local church, managing his family farm, and hunting and fishing.
Please plan to attend the Washington County Republican Party Christmas party on Monday, December 15, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Too Far North in Ft Calhoun. Drink tickets provided with hors d’oeuvres. **SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT AT THE PARTY**
Please plan to attend the Washington County Republican Party Central Committee meeting on Monday, September 22, 2025 at the Blair Public Library in Blair. Meeting begins at 7:00 PM.
Washington Count Sheriff candidates Brian Beckman for Sheriff , Kevin Willis for Sheriff and Mitch Robinson for Sheriff pose in front of the WCRP booth at the 2025 Washington County Chamber of Commerce Business & Brews event. Candidates met with folks to discuss their visions for the future of the Washington County law enforcement. Candidate fliers were distributed at the WCRP booth. Thanks much to volunteers Lisa Kramer, Jake Bettin and Kent Van Horn. (L to R: Kevin Willis, Brian Beckman, Mitch Robinson)
The 2025 Washington County Fair is in the books. Thanks much for all the volunteers who helped with the WCRP Fair booth, parade float and ice cream social. Volunteers included Sheriff Mike Robinson, Fort Calhoun Mayor Mitch Robinson, Sheriff candidates Kevin Willis and Brian Beckman, Jake Bettin driving the float, Mike Anderson, Kent Van Horn, Blair School Board member Courtney Tabor, Nebraska State School Board member Lisa Schonhoff and many others.
The 2025 Washington County Republican Party fair booth is set up. The Washington County Fair starts today, July 25th and runs through Wednesday, July 30th. Please stop by and say “hi”. Sunday afternoon following the fair parade WCRP will be handing out ice cream treats! Thank much for the volunteers who helped this morning.
Please plan to attend the Washington County Republican Party Central Committee meeting on Monday, July 21, 2025 at the American Legion in Fort Calhoun. Meeting begins at 7:00 PM. Reminder that we also have the Washington County Fair that runs from July 25-30. WCRP is needing volunteers to help with the fair booth, county fair parade and WCRP Ice Cream Social. WCRP calendar can be found HERE.
The Washington County Republican Party float entry in the 2025 Gateway to the West parade in Blair was accompanied by Nebraska State Board of Education board member Lisa Schonhoff, Washington County Board member Lisa Kramer, Blair School Board Vice President Courtney Tabor, Blair School Board member Melaini Sturm, Metro Community College Board member Adam Gotschall and other volunteers. The weather was perfect for a parade on Saturday, June 10, 2025.
