2026 Nebraska Primary Election Results

Nebraska's 2026 primary election saw historically low voter turnout, with participation reaching just 27% statewide compared to 34% in 2022. Despite the low engagement, the primary set the stage for several high-profile general election contests and highlighted the growing political importance of the Nebraska Legislature.

The night's biggest surprise came in the Secretary of State race, where Scott Petersen defeated two-term incumbent Bob Evnen in the Republican primary, marking the only major statewide upset.

At the federal level, the open 2nd Congressional District race covering Douglas and Saunders Counties and portions of Sarpy County is expected to become one of the nation's most competitive House races. Nebraska Farm Bureau endorsed Republican Brinker Harding secured the GOP nomination and will face the eventual Democratic nominee, with Denise Powell narrowly beating State Senator John Cavanaugh.

In the U.S. Senate race, Republican incumbent Pete Ricketts won renomination and is expected to face independent candidate Dan Osborn in November. Democratic leaders largely worked to clear the field for Osborn, signaling a coordinated effort to consolidate opposition support behind a single challenger. Ricketts has been endorsed by Nebraksa Farm Bureau.

NEFB-PAC saw strong primary results, with all eight endorsed legislative candidates advancing to the general election: Dean Helmick (LD1), Ted Japp (LD16), Dawson Brunswick (LD22), Jana Hughes (LD24), Cally Ideus (LD30), Janell Anderson Ehrke (LD38), Joe Johnson (LD41), and Mike Jacobson (LD42). Several candidates posted decisive victories, including Japp, Hughes, and Jacobson.

All four NEFB-PAC endorsed federal candidates also advanced, including Pete Ricketts for U.S. Senate, Mike Flood in Congressional District 1, Brinker Harding in Congressional Distric 2, and Adrian Smith in Congressional District 3. In statewide constitutional offices, Mike Foley for State Auditor, Joey Spellerberg for State Treasurer, and Attorney General Mike Hilgers all advanced to the general election. Each have been endorsed by NEFB-PAC.

The primary also underscored the increasing political stakes surrounding the Nebraska Legislature. Republicans currently maintain a filibuster-proof supermajority, but Democrats are aggressively targeting suburban Omaha and Lincoln districts to narrow that margin. Senators Brad von Gillern and Rick Holdcroft trailed primary election opponents, while Senator Merve Riepe could face a difficult general election campaign. Legislative fundraising exceeded $4.1 million by the end of April, reflecting the growing intensity and outside interest in unicameral races.

Looking ahead to November, Democrats are expected to heavily focus resources on the Omaha metro area, particularly the open 2nd Congressional District race, and how that impacts the governor's race and other down ballot races through the fall campaign season.

NEFB-PAC will continue to work with members and our District Evaluation Committees to identify and endorse additional candidates that demonstrate a commitment to supporting policies that benefit Nebraska's farmers and ranchers.

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