Julie Slama

{{Infobox officeholder

|name = Julie Slama

|image = Julie Slama (51850518231).jpg

|state_legislature = Nebraska

|district = 1st

|term_start = January 9, 2019

|term_end = January 8, 2025

|predecessor = Dan Watermeier

|successor = Robert Hallstrom

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1996|5|2}}

|birth_place = Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.

|death_date =

|death_place =

|party = Republican

|spouse = {{marriage|Andrew La Grone|2021}}

|education = Yale University (BA)
University of Nebraska, Lincoln (JD)

|children = 1

}}

Julie Slama (born May 2, 1996) is an American politician who served in the Nebraska Legislature representing the 1st district from 2019 to 2025.

Early life

Julie Slama was born on May 2, 1996.{{Cite news |title=Sen. Julie Slama |work=Nebraska Legislature |url=https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?District=01%2F |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324154349/https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?District=01%2F |archive-date=March 24, 2023}} She graduated from Auburn High School in 2014.{{Cite news |date=December 26, 2018 |title=Ricketts chooses Peru woman to replace Watermeier in Legislature |page=A10 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121038980/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317124914/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121038980/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} She graduated from Yale University with a bachelor's degree in political science in 2018, and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2022. During her time at Yale she was the director of operations for Yale Daily News.

Slama was an alternate delegate to the 2014 United States Senate Youth Program.{{Cite news |date=January 26, 2014 |title=2 area students chosen for U.S. Senate Youth |page=18 |work=Omaha World-Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121038589/omaha-world-herald/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317123656/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121038589/omaha-world-herald/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} During the 2018 gubernatorial election she worked as the press secretary for Pete Ricketts's gubernatorial campaign.

Nebraska Legislature

=Elections=

Dan Watermeier, a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 1st district, was elected to the Nebraska Public Service Commission in 2018 and thus vacated his seat. Slama applied for the position and was appointed to the seat by Ricketts.{{Cite news |date=December 8, 2018 |title=24 apply for two legislative vacancies |page=13 |work=Omaha World-Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121038731/omaha-world-herald/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317124214/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121038731/omaha-world-herald/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=December 27, 2018 |title=Ricketts picks press secretary to fill vacant seat in Legislature |page=11 |work=Omaha World-Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121038898/omaha-world-herald/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317124619/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121038898/omaha-world-herald/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} She was the youngest member of the legislature's 2019 session and the third-youngest person to serve in the state legislature.{{Cite news |date=January 6, 2019 |title=By The Numbers |page=A8 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121039125/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317125407/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121039125/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=March 31, 2019 |title=A learning experience |page=B1 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121039406/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317130154/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121039406/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Slama announced her campaign for the 2020 election on July 10, 2019, and placed first in the primary against Janet Palmtag and Dennis Schaardt. She defeated Palmtag, who had the endorsement of former Governor Dave Heineman and U.S. Representative Jeff Fortenberry.{{Cite news |date=June 29, 2019 |title=Republican leaders are divided in legislative race |page=A4 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121039644/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317130813/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121039644/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=July 11, 2019 |title=Ricketts appointee Slama seeking to keep her seat |page=A5 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121039815/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317131343/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121039815/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |title=Official Results of Nebraska Primary Election May 12, 2020 |work=Secretary of State of Nebraska |url=https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/sos.nebraska.gov/files/doc/elections/2020/2020%20Primary%20Canvass%20Book.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318173713/https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/sos.nebraska.gov/files/doc/elections/2020/2020%20Primary%20Canvass%20Book.pdf |archive-date=March 18, 2023}} Jessica Flanagain was her campaign manager.{{Cite news |date=April 14, 2021 |title=Heineman newest name in gubernatorial chatter |page=B4 |work=Fremont Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121052066/fremont-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317165410/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121052066/fremont-tribune/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} She defeated Palmtag in the general election.{{Cite news |title=Official Results of Nebraska General Election November 3, 2020 |work=Secretary of State of Nebraska |url=https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/sos.nebraska.gov/files/doc/elections/2020/2020-General-Canvass-Book.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111045104/https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/sos.nebraska.gov/files/doc/elections/2020/2020-General-Canvass-Book.pdf |archive-date=November 11, 2022}}

Slama declined to file for re-election on February 15, 2024, and retired at the end of her tenure. She initially sought a second term.{{cite news|title=State Sen. Slama decides against re-election bid at the last moment|first=Aaron|last=Sanderford|website=Nebraska Examiner|date=February 15, 2024|access-date=April 22, 2024|url=https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/15/state-sen-slama-decides-against-re-election-bid-at-the-last-moment/}}

=Tenure=

During Slama's tenure in the state legislature she has served on the Judiciary,{{Cite news |date=January 10, 2019 |title=Revenue Committee revamped |page=A8 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121039244/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317125611/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121039244/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} Natural Resources, Reference, and Executive Board committees. In 2021, she sought the position of vice-chair of the Executive Board committee, but lost to Senator Tony Vargas.{{Cite news |date=January 9, 2021 |title=Walz unseats Groene as Nebraska chair of Education Committee |page=A5 |work=Fremont Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121040944/fremont-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317164155/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121040944/fremont-tribune/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Slama was named legislator of the year by the Young Republicans and placed on the Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2019.{{Cite news |date=January 10, 2019 |title=Slama named Young Republican legislator of year |page=A8 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121039721/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317131207/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121039721/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=December 4, 2019 |title=Forbes puts Sen. Slama on its 30 under 30 list |page=B2 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121039860/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317131613/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121039860/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} In 2022, Slama accused Charles Herbster of reaching up into her skirt at an event hosted by the Douglas County Republican Party in 2019.{{Cite news |date=April 16, 2022 |title=Report on Herbster sparks bipartisan condemnation |page=A5 |work=Columbus Telegram |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121053844/the-columbus-telegram/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317172004/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121053844/the-columbus-telegram/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} Both filed lawsuits against each other, but later dropped them.{{Cite news |date=October 29, 2022 |title=Herbster, Slama drop dueling lawsuits |page=A1 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121054201/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317172418/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121054201/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Political positions

Slama proposed legislation to require students in 8th and 11th grade to pass the American Civics Test.{{Cite news |date=January 18, 2019 |title=Americanism in schools |page=A5 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121040083/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317133900/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121040083/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=February 21, 2019 |title=American civics bill hits a roadblock |page=A10 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121040087/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317132458/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121040087/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} She proposed legislation to expand the castle doctrine to include occupied vehicles.{{Cite news |date=January 13, 2021 |title=Bill seek to expand 'Castle Doctrine' law |page=B1 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121051623/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317164651/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121051623/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} She supported an attempt to call a special legislative session to pass legislation to prohibit vaccine requirements by businesses, governmental entities, and schools.{{Cite news |date=October 20, 2021 |title=Calling for special session |page=A6 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121052631/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317170201/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121052631/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} She opposed expanding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to people with felony drug convictions.{{Cite news |date=April 13, 2022 |title=Bill to expand food stamp eligibility for drug felons dies in Nebraska Legislature |page=A6 |work=Fremont Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121053511/fremont-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317171511/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121053511/fremont-tribune/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} She proposed anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions legislation.{{Cite news |date=February 10, 2023 |title=Ban on government contracts with firms boycotting Israel heard |work=Nebraska Public Media |url=https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/ban-on-government-contracts-with-firms-boycotting-israel-heard/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324155947/https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/ban-on-government-contracts-with-firms-boycotting-israel-heard/ |archive-date=March 24, 2023}}

Slama opposes abortion in all cases, including when the life of the mother is at risk.{{Cite news |date=April 15, 2020 |title=Candidates respond to abortion survey |page=B1 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121040319/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317132755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121040319/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} She proposed a heartbeat bill in 2022.{{Cite news |date=January 6, 2022 |title='Heartbeat' abortion ban bill sets up legislative fight |page=A3 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121052872/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317170438/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121052872/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} She proposed a motion to censure Senator Machaela Cavanaugh for stating that legislation prohibiting gender-affirming care for transgender children was akin to genocide, but Speaker John Arch declined to have it go forward.{{Cite news |date=March 15, 2023 |title=Nebraska state senator proposes censuring filibustering colleague |work=WOWT |url=https://www.wowt.com/2023/03/15/nebraska-state-senator-proposes-censuring-filibustering-colleague/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324155606/https://www.wowt.com/2023/03/15/nebraska-state-senator-proposes-censuring-filibustering-colleague/ |archive-date=March 24, 2023}}

Slama proposed a constitutional amendment to require voter ID in order to vote.{{Cite news |date=January 8, 2021 |title=Slama proposes voter ID requirement |page=A3 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121040905/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317164449/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121040905/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} She proposed legislation to alter Nebraska's selection of presidential electors by switching to having them selected through winner-take-all.{{Cite news |date=February 18, 2021 |title=Split-vote system under fire |page=A1 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121051822/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317164953/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121051822/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} She proposed a constitutional amendment to make the state legislature partisan.{{Cite news |date=January 21, 2022 |title=Senator seeks partisan Legislature |page=B1 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121053075/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317170752/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121053075/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Personal life

Slama converted to Catholicism.{{Cite news |date=April 29, 2022 |title=There is hope: Meet the young Catholic lawmaker who went viral as a champion for life |work=Catholic News Agency |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251096/julie-slama-nebraska-pro-life-legislator |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324154645/https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251096/julie-slama-nebraska-pro-life-legislator |archive-date=March 24, 2023}} Her twin sister, Emily, was appointed by Ricketts to the Sarpy County Election Commission in October 2021.{{Cite news |date=October 3, 2021 |title=Ricketts appoints Slama's sister to election post |page=D2 |work=Lincoln Journal Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121054536/lincoln-journal-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317172750/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121054536/lincoln-journal-star/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}} She married former state senator Andrew La Grone on December 18, 2021. Slama and La Grone have a son.{{cite news |last=Swanson |first=Dan |title=Sen. Slama is new mom, chairman of commerce committee |url=https://www.newschannelnebraska.com/story/50281048/sen-slama-is-new-mom-chairman-of-commerce-committee |work=News Channel Nebraska |date=December 26, 2023}}