Ricketts issued a statement Friday evening thanking Craighead for her service. During her time in the Legislature, she successfully advocated for Nebraska's women and supported efforts to cut red tape and reform licensing requirements for key professions, he said.

"We wish her well as she steps away from public service to support her family," Ricketts said. "She will be missed by her colleagues here at the state Capitol."

She will look forward to being active in the community and seeing what the future has in store, she said.

Craighead, who was elected in 2014 to represent Legislative District 6, had announced Monday she would seek a second term, ending speculation that she was considering a run for Douglas County Assessor.

Edwards said Friday that Craighead considered running for county assessor but changed her mind.

Despite Monday's announcement that she planned to seek re-election to the Legislature, Edwards said Craighead's resignation wasn't a last-minute decision or triggered by any political or legal issue.

"It's something she's been thinking about for a while," Edwards said.

Still, her departure within days of announcing her re-election campaign surprised a number of people.