Nebraska Primary Elections 2026: Key Races and Candidates to Watch
Nebraska voters are gearing up for primary elections to nominate party representatives for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and the state legislature. Incumbents and new candidates are competing in some of the most competitive primary races in the state.
In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Sen. Pete Ricketts is seeking his first full term and faces competition from three Republican candidates. Ricketts, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, is up against challengers Eric Mortimore, Todd Knobel, Mac Stevens, and Debb Axtell Schultz. Two Democrats, William Forbes and Cindy Burbank, are also seeking the nomination.
In the U.S. House race for District 2, U.S. Rep. Don Bacon is not seeking reelection, leading to a crowded field of candidates from both parties. Brinker Harding is the sole Republican candidate, while eight Democrats, including State Sen. John Cavanaugh, Denise Powell, and Crystal Rhoades, are vying for the nomination.
Incumbent Governor Jim Pillen is seeking a second term and faces competition from fellow Republicans John Walz, Jacy Todd, and Sal Holguin. Democrats Lynne Walz and Larry Marvin are also seeking the party's nomination for governor.
Nebraska voters will also elect candidates for the state senate, with 24 of the 49 seats up for election in 2026. The state legislative chamber currently has a Republican supermajority of 33-14 with two independent candidates.
Polls will be open on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central time and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mountain time. It will be an important day for Nebraska voters to choose their party representatives in these key races.