Second Democrat enters 1st Congressional District race

Nebraska's 1st Congressional District race gained another Democratic candidate Thursday when Lincolnite Chris Backemeyer announced his campaign.

Backemeyer joins renewable energy advocate Eric Moyer, also from Lincoln, who announced his campaign in August. They are both seeking to unseat incumbent Republican Mike Flood, an uphill battle in a district that has not elected a Democrat since 1964.

“Families were promised lower prices; instead, they’re getting hit with reckless tariffs and higher costs,” Backemeyer said in his campaign announcement. “Meanwhile, politicians in Washington are handing out tax breaks to billionaires and cutting the very programs families depend on to get by. My campaign is about putting people first, and making sure Nebraska values of hard work, fairness, and community guide our country again."

Backemeyer, who grew up in Lincoln, got bachelor's degrees in finance and political science from Arizona State University and a master's degree in international affairs from the University of California San Diego. After a short career in finance, he spent 20 years working for the U.S. Department of State and the National Security Council and also served a national security advisor to former Vice President Kamala Harris. He moved back to Lincoln earlier this year.

“I’ve dedicated my life to public service, and I know what it takes to get things done, even in a broken Washington,” Backemeyer said. “I served under both Democratic and Republican administrations because my focus was always on the mission and results, not politics.”

The 1st Congressional District covers 12 counties in Nebraska, including the cities of Lincoln and Norfolk. Flood has represented the district since 2022.