Tom Brewer (politician)

Tom Brewer (born August 6, 1958) is an American politician serving as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 43rd district. Elected in 2016, he assumed office in 2017.

Early life and education
Brewer was born in Casper, Wyoming and was raised around Gordon, Nebraska and Whiteclay, Nebraska. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Doane University and attended the United States Army War College.

Career
For 36 years, Brewer served as a member of the United States Army, including six tours in Afghanistan. Brewer was awarded two Purple Hearts. During his service, Brewer was severely injured by a grenade, losing his eye and suffering shrapnel wounds. Brewer was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2016, succeeding Al Davis.

As a legislator, Brewer has focused on veterans issues, sponsoring a bill to provide tax breaks to veterans. Brewer has advocated against Medicaid expansion, stating "These programs will each be trying to protect their piece of the budget pie. When the music stops, some of them won’t have a chair. It’s unavoidable."

Brewer has been supportive of Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in 2022, explaining that he serves as a "pipeline to share information" with members of Congress on the war. He began making visits to the country's frontlines in May 2022 to assist in training the Armed Forces of Ukraine and deliver supplies. During a trip in July, he said that if the US did not help Ukraine, then American troops would eventually be fighting Russians.

Personal life
Brewer and his wife Kelli have two children. Kelli has served in the Nebraska National Guard. Brewer is a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe and the first Native American elected to the state legislature of Nebraska.