LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska state senator who was defeated in the May primary election is returning to the Capitol as a lobbyist.

Sen. Nicole Fox of Omaha has taken a job with the Platte Institute for Economic Research, a think tank that advocates for free market principles. She starts in January.

Fox, a Republican, was appointed to her seat by Gov. Pete Ricketts in 2015. She ran for election this year but lost to two primary challengers in the heavily Democratic district.

During her time in office, Fox joined forces with the Platte Institute on a bill that reduced regulations for natural hair braiders.

The Platte Institute’s current lobbyist, Jen Rae Wang, has accepted a job in the district office of Republican U.S. Rep.-elect Don Bacon.