LINCOLN — A Gretna attorney who works in the office of departing State Sen. John Murante will replace his boss in the Legislature.
Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Monday that he is appointing Andrew La Grone, an attorney and small business owner from Gretna, to fill the upcoming vacancy in District 49.
Murante, who was elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2016, will step down on Jan. 9 to take office as state treasurer.

In making the appointment, Ricketts cited La Grone’s experience in private practice and as legal counsel to the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. La Grone previously clerked for Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson.
“He is a solid conservative who will push to cut taxes, protect public safety and champion pro-life policy,” Ricketts said. “I look forward to working with Andrew to help grow our state in the coming years.”
La Grone, 28, is the founder of La Grone Law and president of the Gretna Optimists. He is also a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the Gretna Chamber of Commerce and the Nebraska Lawyers Chapter of The Federalist Society.