Campaign Connection 2026

2026 Primary Election Results

Campaign Connection 2026 is the home for Nebraska Public Media News coverage of the 2026 elections.

Campaign Connection provides you with the resources to inform your decisions. You'll find on this page our election-related stories, as well as links to national media coverage, podcasts and political party blogs.

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Election Results

News coverage of 2026 election

Judge dismisses Republican-led challenge to Nebraska voter law

Lancaster County District Judge Ryan Post ruled Wednesday that there was at least one constitutional application for the challenged law, which allows U.S. citizens who have never resided in Nebraska but have a parent registered to vote in one Nebraska county to register and vote in state elections.

Ruling likely to come next week in two cases challenging validity of new political parties

In back-to-back hearings on Wednesday, a Lincoln judge heard more than an hour of arguments in two cases that could decide which candidates end up on the November ballot.

‘Every child deserves an opportunity to play’: $17 million Lincoln volleyball complex set for the November ballot

Lincolnites will vote on a local ballot initiative in November to use turnback tax for the construction of a $17 million volleyball complex.

Nebraska Democratic Party sues to keep newly formed Nebraska Working People Party off the ballot

Republicans and Democrats have traded accusations that the parties were created to mislead voters and act as “spoilers” in competitive elections, though party officials have denied involvement in the creation of the new parties.

Nebraska GOP sues to block the ‘America First Party’

The GOP lawsuit asks Lancaster District Court Judge Darla Ideus to overrule Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen’s decision not to intervene with the party’s creation.

Two new political parties approved ahead of Nebraska’s midterm elections

The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office cleared the way for the Nebraska Working People Party and the America First Party to form ahead of Nebraska’s midterm elections.

Judge says effort to force Nebraska Dems to replace vacancy on ballot unlikely to succeed

An effort to force the Nebraska Democratic Party to put up a Senate candidate is unlikely to succeed and raises “serious constitutional concerns,” a Lancaster County judge ruled Friday.

5 arrested on suspicion of fraud connected to Lincoln charter amendment petitions

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Lancaster County Attorney’s Office are investigating the nearly 20,000 rejected signatures from the Good Government Lincoln group. So far, five individuals have been arrested on suspicion of fraud, according to Lancaster County Chief Deputy Ben Houchin.

3 ‘Good Government Lincoln’ petitions fail to qualify for November ballot

In filings to the City Clerk’s office, Lancaster Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen said his office rejected nearly 20,000 signatures. That’s roughly 6,500 signatures per petition.

Watchdog calling for an investigation into online wagering petitions in Nebraska

A national group is asking the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission to investigate potential international influence in the funding for Tax Relief Nebraska, the committee aiming to legalize and regulate online sports wagering with two ballot measures.

News

Lindstrom appears to have enough signatures to run for Nebraska governor

Brett Lindstrom submitted petition paperwork Monday to become the third candidate in Nebraska’s race for governor.

Arguing that Nebraska Democrats must have a Senate candidate, primary loser says he’s willing

In an affidavit filed during the hearing on Monday, primary loser William Forbes said he would be “willing to be considered by the Nebraska Democratic Party as its replacement nominee.”

Nonpartisan Cohen submits signatures seeking to appear on ballot for Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District

Mark Cohen is the second nonpartisan to submit signatures for one of Nebraska’s congressional races in 2026.

Nebraska Democratic Party pushes back on lawsuit demanding replacement in U.S. Senate race

Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb responded Wednesday to what she called a "frivolous" lawsuit from former Democratic U.S. Senate candidate William Forbes who lost the May primary. He filed a lawsuit earlier this month that seeks to force the party to name a replacement for Cindy Burbank, the Democratic U.S. Senate candidate who won the primary but then dropped out.

Flood discusses ICE body cameras, Trump and housing during Lincoln town hall

First District Congressional Representative Mike Flood held another town hall in Lincoln on Tuesday with people firmly asking about the war in Iran and elections.

Nebraska Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz announces running mate

Lynne Walz has announced her running mate as she seeks the title of Nebraska governor in the general election.

Nebraska U.S. Senate primary loser seeks to force Dems to appoint replacement candidate after winner dropped out

William Forbes, who received just over 10% of the vote in his unusual primary race against Cindy Burbank, filed a lawsuit against the Nebraska Democratic Party

Walz aims to fix ‘Pillen budget crisis’ as one of her gubernatorial priorities

Lynne Walz, Democratic candidate for governor, has outlined her major platform pillars as the general election approaches.

U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Cindy Burbank won’t appear on November ballot

Secretary of State Bob Evnen said Tuesday that he will accept U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Cindy Burbank’s move to withdraw her name from the November ballot.

'Good Government Lincoln' submits petition signatures for Lincoln election changes

The “Good Government Lincoln” group on Monday submitted signatures to the city of Lincoln clerk's office. Once the Lancaster County Election Commission verifies the signatures collected, the three proposed amendments to the city charter will be added to the November ballot.

Independent candidate in Nebraska's Third Congressional District reportedly meets signature milestone

Mark Cohen of Lemoyne may have landed a spot on November's general election ballot if the Secretary of State approves his petition.

Austin Ahlman, independent candidate for Nebraska's 1st District, suspending campaign

Ahlman said his father's cancer, which had been in remission, has returned. Because of that, he is suspending his campaign.

House speaker stumps for Nebraska CD2 candidate Harding

Mike Johnson's visit to the 2nd District on Saturday was the second high-profile one this week.

Burbank Declares intention to drop out of Senate race, but fight over ballot may not be over

Democratic Senate candidate Cindy Burbank has officially declared her intention to drop out of the race. The Nebraska Secretary of State's office said Burbank filed paperwork Friday to decline the nomination, which she received by winning the Democratic primary election in May. However, it may not be that easy.

Dan Osborn has qualified for Nebraska Senate race

The Secretary of State's Office said Thursday that the independent candidate has turned in enough signatures to make the ballot.

Nebraska Working People Party, America First Party submit petitions to form new political parties

The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office confirmed Wednesday afternoon that two groups met the deadline to turn in signatures to form new political parties ahead of the November general election.

Pete Buttigieg stumps for Nebraska CD2 candidate Denise Powell in South Omaha

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg endorsed Democratic 2nd District Congressional nominee Denise Powell at a campaign event held in Metro Community College’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing.

Brett Lindstrom to run for Nebraska governor as independent

Former state Sen. Brett Lindstrom, who finished third in the 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary, is apparently planning to enter the race as an independent via petition.

Pete Buttigieg to campaign in Omaha for Denise Powell in CD2 race

Pete Buttigieg, a former U.S. transportation secretary and 2020 Democratic candidate for president, will be in Omaha in mid-July to campaign for Denise Powell.

Nonpartisan candidate Macey Budke will run write-in campaign for Nebraska’s 3rd District

Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District nonpartisan candidate Macey Budke will run a write-in campaign, she announced Tuesday.

Records show dozens of petition circulators “harassing” Nebraskans

Records obtained from the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office show a growing concern among Nebraskans in the months leading up to the July 2 deadline to submit petition signatures.

Respect Nebraska Voters coalition turns in more than 186,500 signatures for initiative seeking to 'protect' voter-passed laws

A group of Nebraska petitioners turned in more than 186,500 signatures Thursday for a proposed constitutional amendment that would make it more difficult for the Nebraska Legislature to modify voter-approved laws.

Party fever: Another political party is gathering signatures to get on Nebraska’s ballot

The America First Party says it will put Americans and Nebraskans ‘ahead of all others.’

More nationally funded anti-Trump billboards launching in Lincoln, Omaha

A nonprofit is launching an ad campaign across Lincoln and Nebraska highlighting how tariffs have hit the economy hard.

‘Fairness for Girls’ organizers turns in 211,000 signatures in effort to make November ballot

The group behind the “Fairness for Girls” petition on Tuesday turned in 211,000 petition signatures in an effort to make Nebraska’s November ballot.

Group pushing online sports betting turns in more signatures than needed to get on Nebraska ballot

According to the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office, the group, called Tax Relief Nebraska, turned in more than 201,000 signatures for its petition seeking a constitutional amendment to legalize online sports betting in the state and 146,000 signatures for its petition to create the regulatory framework to tax the wagers

National 'Working Families Party' considering legal action against Nebraska 'Working People Party' organizers

The leaders behind the national Working Families Party are “considering its legal actions” in response to a new effort in Nebraska to create a political party called the “Nebraska Working People Party.”

News

Online gambling petition on track to make Nebraska's ballot with multi-million dollar campaign

Nebraska could soon become the next state to legalize online sports betting. The committee organizing petitions to legalize and regulate online sports betting, Tax Relief Nebraska, is on track to turn in enough signatures to make the November ballot.

Federal judge overhauls Nebraska-backed executive order on mail-in voting

A federal judge ruled that President Trump doesn’t have the constitutional or statutory authority to restrict mail-in voting rules and to create a nationwide voter list.

News

Nebraska’s gubernatorial candidates raking in fundraising ahead of general election

Gubernatorial candidates Gov. Jim Pillen and former state senator and Democrat Lynne Walz released competing statements about their campaign finances, each claiming to have broad voter support.

1st District independent candidate makes populist pitch at Lincoln town hall

Austin Ahlman spoke to around 40 people at a meeting at a VFW hall Wednesday night.

Republican CD2 nominee Brinker Harding files personal financial disclosures months after deadline

The 2nd Congressional District candidate filed his personal financial disclosures last week after receiving criticism from Democrats for failing to file them by the deadline.

News

Nebraska's third party voices are growing. What does that mean for this election cycle?

The state has seen a rise in independent candidates over the past several years. UNL Political Science Professor Dr. Kevin Smith talked with Nebraska Public Media's Grant Winterer about their impact on Nebraska elections.

Advocates end Nebraska property tax, winner-take-all, hand-count ballots petition effort

"We will continue to go to the people until lawmakers represent them," said ballot sponsor Eric Underwood, former Nebraska Republican Party chair.

News

Nebraska secretary of state plans to comply with presidential election order

Secretary of State Bob Evnen said Monday that Nebraska will comply with President Donald Trump’s executive orders on election integrity, including mail-in voting restrictions.

Three GOP-leaning petitions seek to restructure Lincoln city elections

Conservative efforts seek to change timing of local elections, give suburban, rural voters city voting power, add term limits

Nebraska Dems ask DOJ to investigate Harding over missing personal financial disclosures

The Nebraska Democratic Party is asking the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate 2nd Congressional District Republican nominee Brinker Harding over missing two deadlines for personal financial disclosures.

News

Internal poll shows Democratic challenger Lynne Walz closing in on Jim Pillen in Nebraska governor's race

A poll commissioned by the Walz gubernatorial campaign shows her only 2 percentage points behind Pillen. Pillen’s campaign says the results were conjured by the left-leaning research firm that held the survey.

First District Rep. Mike Flood fields questions about medical marijuana, immigration and the Epstein files at town hall

First District Congressman Mike Flood held his first town hall of the year Tuesday in his hometown of Norfolk. Despite the familiar setting, a smaller group of constituents echoed the contentious atmosphere of his Lincoln town hall meeting in August of last year.

Nebraska's Democratic Senate candidate endorses independent in 1st Congressional District

Cindy Burbank, who won the Democratic Senate primary, announced Tuesday that she is endorsing Austin Ahlman, who announced an independent bid for the 1st District earlier this month.

Lindstrom explains potential bid for Nebraska governor, dissatisfaction with state’s direction

‘I just don’t think there’s been a vision articulated on who we are and where we’re going,’ says Brett Lindstrom on possible 2026 rematch with Gov. Jim Pillen.

Republican CD2 nominee Brinker Harding misses filing deadlines for personal financial disclosures

Brinker Harding, the Republican nominee in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, has not yet filed either of his required personal financial disclosures – one of which was due last August.

Dark money group funds Nebraska initiative to limit sports participation to biological sex

Filings with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission show that Fairness for Girls raised $3.1 million in just two months from one single donor: A 501(c)(4) nonprofit called Restore the Good Life Inc.

John Cavanaugh concedes to Denise Powell in Nebraska’s 2nd District primary

John Cavanaugh has officially conceded to Denise Powell in the contentious race for the Democratic nomination in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District.

Independent candidate from Norfolk launches bid for 1st Congressional District race

An independent candidate is launching a campaign for the 1st Congressional District race, which recently saw incumbent Republican Mike Flood and Democrat Chris Backemeyer win the partisan primary tickets.

News

Tyson plant closure hindered voter turnout in Dawson County primary election, data suggests

The closing of a Tyson Foods plant in Lexington earlier this year seems to have significantly impacted voter turnout. Compared to the last midterm primary election in 2022, about half as many voters cast a ballot in Dawson County on Tuesday.

News

Four out of six Nebraska school bonds fail during primary election

Across the state, voters rejected four out of six school bonds, according to unofficial results. The failed bonds included a $64 million proposal for Waverly and a nearly $35 million attempt for Norris.

Petersen says secretary of state win will help restore confidence in Nebraska GOP leaders

Scott Petersen shook up the Republican establishment Tuesday with his upset win over incumbent Secretary of State Bob Evnen in the GOP primary.

News

Nebraskans discuss the issues that brought them to the polls on Tuesday

Now that the ballots have been cast in Nebraska’s primaries, voters have expressed their views on issues that matter most to them.

Nebraska’s Gen Z candidates received fewer votes than their competition in primary election

When Jayden Speed and Nate Ostdiek launched their campaigns for the Nebraska Legislature, they argued the decades-wide age gap between lawmakers and constituents needed to close. Tuesday's primary results, while still unofficial and have yet to be certified, suggest voters weren't moved by that message.

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Primary raises questions about Republican supermajority in Nebraska Legislature

If Tuesday's primary results are reflected in November, Republicans could lose three seats in the officially nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature.

Republican, Democrat move forward in competitive southeast Nebraska Board of Education race

The four State Board of Education seats up for election this year are finalized following Tuesday night’s results.

AP calls Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District race for Powell

The declaration comes despite the fact that nearly 10,000 early votes remain uncounted.

Powell pulls ahead in tight race for Nebraska's 2nd District

Denise Powell pulled ahead Tuesday night in a close race with John Cavanaugh in Tuesday’s 2nd Congressional District primary.

Pillen, Walz advance in Nebraska governor's race

Incumbent Republican Gov. Jim Pillen and Democrat Lynne Walz both easily won their primaries and will face off in the general election.

Ricketts easily wins Nebraska U.S. Senate primary

Pete Ricketts easily won his Republican primary contest Tuesday night against four novice opponents.

Backemeyer to face Flood in Nebraska's 1st District

Chris Backemeyer held a lead over Eric Moyer in the Democratic primary for Nebraska's 1st Congressional District. The Associated Press called the race soon after polls closed.

Incumbent Smith fends off primary challenger in Nebraska's 3rd District

Smith will face four opponents in the general election later this year: independents Mark Cohen and Macey Budke; lone Democrat Becky Lynn Stille; and David J. Else, running as a member of the Legal Marijuana Now party.

Former Nebraska first lady advances in Omaha-area Regents race

Susanne Shore, a Democrat who is married to Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts, was the top vote-getter in early results released Tuesday night.

It's primary election day in Nebraska. Here's what you need to know

Among the key races on the primary ballot are all three seats in the House of Representatives; one U.S. Senate seat; state offices such as governor and secretary of state; three seats on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents and about two dozen state legislative seats.

News

‘You have the power’: New law gives expanded voting rights to Nebraskans with felony convictions

Tuesday is the first primary election more than 3,100 formerly incarcerated people will be eligible to vote in since 2024. A law passed that year expanded voting rights for this group.

Outside spending reaches fever pitch in Nebraska congressional primary as candidates spar over ‘dark money’

The Democratic primary for Nebraska’s second congressional district has attracted more than $5.6 million in outside ad spending.

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Nebraska lawmakers’ changes to voter-approved ballot measures could impact midterm elections

The Nebraska Legislature's moves to tweak voter-approved measures has sparked an initiative campaign and spilled over into legislative races.

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Officials hope community connection and conversation will spark Latino civic engagement at the ballot box

Amid ongoing immigration crackdowns, some civic engagement promoters say Latino Nebraskans are wary of making waves. But for some, that fear has inspired them to contact their elected representatives, knock on doors and rally their communities.

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Nebraska poll workers must represent different parties. Sometimes they get drafted

County election officials have to ensure equal representation in the parties their poll workers are registered with on election day. Sometimes to make that happen they use a draft.

Democratic infighting escalates in NE-02 race with dueling negative ads

Democratic congressional candidate John Cavanaugh will begin running negative TV and digital ads against opponent Denise Powell Sunday, escalating an already messy primary race.

Progressive voter advocacy group to fund voter turnout in Nebraska

Progressive Turnout Project is spending $44 million on voter turnout nation-wide - including in Nebraska.

Nebraska nonprofits mail voter-rights information to county jails

Two Nebraska nonprofits are providing thousands of voting-rights pamphlets to incarcerated Nebraskans ahead of the May 12 primary.

Nebraska voter is plaintiff in federal lawsuit challenging release of sensitive voter data to DOJ

A Nebraska voter is a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit filed in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday challenging the U.S. Department of Justice’s demands for and consolidation of state voter registration files.

Nebraskans urged to mail ballots at least a week before the primary election

Nebraskans voting by mail are encouraged to send their ballots at least a week before the primary election. That’s because in recent years, the U.S. Postal Service has lowered its delivery standards in the face of financial pressure, leading to slower delivery times.

News

U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn faces another election spending complaint

Jeffrey Davis, chair of the NADC, filed a complaint against Senate candidate Dan Osborn with the FEC alleging that he illegally used dark money to fund his campaign.

Gambling companies funnel money into ballot measures to legalize online sports betting – and to individual candidates

News

Poll shows tight race for Nebraska governor, with Walz five points behind Pillen

A poll commissioned by Lynne Walz shows Republican Gov. Jim Pillen in the lead with his democratic opponent close on his heels.

Early voting opens for Nebraska's May 12 primary

Monday was the first day Nebraskans could vote early in person for the May 12 primary, and some people couldn’t wait to take advantage.

2nd District Democratic candidates address affordability, immigration and Iran war

The economy, immigration and the ongoing war in Iran took center stage during a televised forum featuring Nebraska’s 2nd District Democratic candidates Sunday night.

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Gen Z candidates in Nebraska using social media to connect with younger voters

The median age of the Nebraska Legislature is decades older than the median age of the people it represents. This year, two young candidates said they are challenging this gap as they campaign for state senate seats this November.

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Mail-in voting begins for Nebraska’s primary election

Mail-in ballots were sent out Monday morning as the state begins its unaltered primary election. This comes after executive orders from President Trump issued changes for mail-in voting requirements.

Big spending and high stakes steer Nebraska’s 2nd District race

National attention and a crowded Democratic primary have made for a heated 2nd District House race as eight candidates vie for the seat held by Rep. Don Bacon since 2017.

Trump’s mail voting order won’t affect Nebraska primary election, Evnen says

Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen said Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s new executive order to restrict voting by mail and create a national voter list would not change how Nebraska handles the state’s May 12 primary election.

Then there were six: Leuschen drops out of 2nd District primary

Omaha native James Leuschen is dropping his bid for the Democratic nomination in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District.

Ricketts faces multiple challengers in U.S. Senate race

In the race for U.S. Senate, Pete Ricketts and independent candidate Dan Osborn are garnering most of the headlines, but there are a number of other candidates seeking the seat.

Nebraska's 3rd District boasts crowded field, new ideas

A Republican, Democrat, and two independent candidates are trying to unseat Republican incumbent Adrian Smith this year in Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District.

Here’s who’s running in Nebraska’s crowded 2nd District House race

High stakes and a crowded Democratic primary have made for a heated 2nd District House race as nine candidates vie for the seat held by Rep. Don Bacon since 2017.

Conservative group asks for investigation into Senate candidate Dan Osborn's campaign

A conservative watchdog group is alleging Senate candidate Dan Osborn misused campaign funds. Americans for Public Trust sent a complaint to the Federal Election Commission on Monday alleging personal use of campaign dollars by Osborn’s wife, Megan Osborn, during his run against Sen. Deb Fischer in 2024 and continuing in the current election cycle.

Two Democrats face off in 1st District Primary, incumbent Republican Mike Flood and Libertarian run unopposed

Affordability, health care and immigration are among the top issues candidates in the 1st Congressional District race are focused on ahead of the primary election in May. Mike Flood faces no challengers in the primary, while two Democrats will face off for the chance to unseat Flood in November. One Libertarian is also running with no competitors.

Three candidates seeking to unseat Evnen as secretary of state

Incumbent Bob Evnen is facing a Republican primary challenge, and there also are two Democrats in the race.

Few candidates file for Nebraska attorney general, auditor, treasurer races in midterms

All of Nebraska’s constitutional officers are up for election in 2026. The governor and secretary of state races have both seen a handful of candidates file to fill the seats, but the races for the other three seats have only seen a few candidates file to run.

Nebraska Supreme Court sides with Democratic Senate candidate in last-minute dispute over her removal from the ballot

The 16-page opinion does not address the merits of the objections to Burbank’s candidacy from Evnen and the Nebraska Republican Party. Instead, the court said that the objections were untimely and thus invalid.

What to know about the 10 candidates hoping to be the next governor of Nebraska

From property taxes to budget problems, Nebraska voters will consider issues old and new as they head to primary voting booths in May. Nebraska Public Media News reached out to the gubernatorial candidates to aid voters’ understanding of who is running and why.

Nebraska Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Burbank stays off ballot after case dismissal — for now

Case to be appealed to state Supreme Court; Democrat William Forbes remains on November ballot.

One candidate back on Nebraska ballot, another awaits decision

The Nebraska Supreme Court reinstated a Douglas County Sheriff candidate, while a U.S. Senate candidate awaits a decision by a Lancaster County court.

Dem challenger fights to stay in Douglas County sheriff race, takes appeal to Nebraska Supreme Court

A potential Democratic challenger in the Douglas County sheriff race filed an appeal to the Nebraska Supreme Court over his removal from the ballot. Mark Martinez’s eligibility was called into question last week by the Douglas County Republican Party.

News

Group launches petition drive to ban trans athletes from women's sports

An advocacy group wants voters to put a restriction against trans athletes in women's sports into the state constitution.

Western Nebraska couple, former K-12 educator challenging District 48 incumbent

Three political newcomers, including a husband-wife duo, are hoping to replace incumbent Brian Hardin in Legislative District 48.

Herbster decides not to run for Nebraska governor

In a statement Monday, Charles Herbster said he looked long and hard at running, and while he got a lot of verbal encouragement, “very few were willing to support a challenge to the current administration.”

News

Former notary asks for full pardon, continues run for governor

Jacy Todd wants a full pardon from the governor over 24 misdemeanor charges. He plans to continue racing against current Gov. Jim Pillen for the Republican nomination.

Former Nebraska first lady Susanne Shore runs for NU regent in Omaha

Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, in rare bipartisan endorsement, backs his wife’s Democratic bid.

Former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom out of Nebraska’s 2nd District GOP race

The former lawmaker, in an interview Thursday with the Nebraska Examiner, said he chose to pause his campaign, not because he couldn’t win the GOP nomination, but because he no longer wants to deal with the divisiveness of modern politics.

Former Democratic senator officially announces gubernatorial campaign

Former state Sen. Lynne Walz officially announced the launch of her campaign for Nebraska governor. She said her administration would focus on working across party lines and bringing more economic development to Nebraska.

Nebraska marijuana advocate announces US Senate bid

A Scotts Bluff County man has announced his intention to run for Nebraska’s open U.S. Senate seat in this year’s midterm elections.

Nebraska candidate filing kicks off 2026 midterm elections

Nebraska’s candidate filing period opens Monday, kicking off the 2026 election cycle as the state’s major political parties prepare for primary elections on May 12.

News

'Advocates for All Nebraskans' introduces petitions for winner-take-all, hand-counted ballots

The petitions are the fourth and fifth to be launched by AFAN, a grassroots organization led by former Nebraska Republican Party Chair Eric Underwood, during the 2026 election cycle.

News

Senate candidate Dan Osborn hits campaign trail with populist, blue-collar message

After losing a close race to Sen. Deb Fischer in 2024, Osborn is vying once more to unseat a Republican incumbent – this time against Sen. Pete Ricketts.

‘EPIC’ consumption tax group launching second bid for 2026 midterms

Organizers behind the failed 2024 EPIC (eliminate income, property and inheritance taxes) ballot initiative petition are planning a second attempt in the 2026 midterm elections.

News

State Sen. John Cavanaugh launches congressional campaign for 2nd District seat

Cavanaugh will face several candidates including Denise Powell in the Democratic primary for a seat currently held by Republican Rep. Don Bacon.

Sixth Democrat enters crowded race to represent Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District

Crystal Rhoades, a political consultant currently serving as the elected clerk of the Douglas County District Court, announced on Monday that she will join the race to represent Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District.

Nebraska 2026 Election FAQ

You can register to vote online here. You can also register in person at your county election office or through the DMV when applying or renewing your driver’s license. You can print out a registration form here and return it to your county election office, the Nebraska Department of Education or the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. A personal agent may return the application to the appropriate county election office, or a voter registration application can be completed with a deputy registrar (someone approved by the county election office to register people to vote). More information can be found here.

The in-person registration deadline for the May 12 primary election is May 1. Mail-in voter registrations must be postmarked by April 27. For the Nov. 3 general election, the last day for in-person registration is Oct. 23. The postmark deadline for mail-in registrations is Oct. 16. More information here.

Check your voter registration information here.

You can apply for an early-voting ballot by contacting your county election office by mail or by fax. You can print and complete an online early voting application here. More information here.

Voters have until the polls close at 8 p.m. CT, 7 p.m. MT on election day to return their early voting ballots. People can vote early in their county election office in person from April 13 to May 11 for the primary election and from Oct. 5 through Nov. 2 for the general election.

Yes. On June 1, 2023, the governor signed into law LB514, which established voter identification (ID) requirements for elections in Nebraska. The first election requiring voter ID was the May 14, 2024, statewide primary election. More information here.

You can find your polling place online here.

You can learn about all the candidates and see who's filed here.

Election Calendar

July 6: First day county election offices can accept early voting ballot requests for the general election.

Sept. 11: Last day for the Secretary of State's Office to certify candidates, offices and issues to be placed on the statewide ballot.

Sept. 18: Deadline for county election offices to have early voting ballots ready and sent to UOCAVA voters with requests on file.

Sept. 28: Deadline for county election offices to have early voting ballots ready for delivery by mail, and publication of application required after ballots are available. This requirement does not pertain to elections held entirely by mail.

Oct. 5: First day for in-person early voting at the county clerk or election commissioner office

Oct. 16: First voter registration deadline for the May primary election. Final day to register to vote online, by mail (must be postmarked by Oct. 16), at a state agency (DMV, DHHS or Dept. of Ed), by deputy registrar or personal agent.

Last day a county election office can mail an early voting ballot with a mail-in registration application form to a person who has requested an early voting ballot but is not registered to vote.

Oct. 20: Last day county election offices can accept a mail-in voter registration with an illegible postmark.

Oct. 23: Final voter registration deadline for the May primary. Last day to register to vote in person at a county election office.

Last day a county election office can receive an application for early voting ballots to be mailed out to a specific address.

Last day a voter can submit a request for a replacement ballot to be mailed.

Nov. 2: Last day for in-person early voting at the county clerk or election commissioner office.

At noon - registration deadline for former federal employees.

Nov. 3: Statewide General Election Day.

8 a.m. CT: Polls open.

Noon CT:- Deadline for a registered voter serving as an emergency response provider outside of the voter's county to request a ballot.

7 p.m. CT: Deadline for personal agent to pick up early voting ballot.

8 p.m. CT: Polls close.

8 p.m. CT: Deadline for a voter to return their early voting ballot, whether that’s at a county election office, via personal agent or at a secure ballot drop-box.

8 p.m. CT: Deadline for a voter to return a voter registration form with an early voting ballot.

8 p.m. CT: Deadline for obtaining a replacement ballot in person.

8 p.m. CT: The first time any returns or partial returns may be released.

Nov. 10: Deadline to present valid photo ID to the election commissioner or county clerk by a voter without a reasonable impediment who failed to present valid photo ID at the time of voting.

Nov. 30: Board of State Canvassers meets to certify the election results.