What is expected to be one of the more heated battles for the Legislature has taken a key step forward. 

Both Republican State Sen. Kathleen Kauth and Democrat Tim Royers have apparently turned in enough signatures to put their names on the ballot in November.

Kauth was appointed by Gov. Pete Ricketts to fill the Millard area seat held by Sen. Rich Pahls who died in April. She says she turned in 3,429 signatures, Royers says he turned in 2,575. It takes 2,000 valid names, approved by the Secretary of State, to make the ballot.

Royers, a teacher who ran for the seat in 2020, says his campaign has already knocked on over 12,000 doors talking to voters in the district.

Kauth is a businesswoman, who recently served on the City of Omaha’s Charter Convention.