District 18

Jess Goldini v. Taylor Royal

Election Results:

Jess Goldini (D) 42.7%

Taylor Royal (R) 33.6%

Derek Schwartz (R) 23.7% (Eliminated)

District 18 Background: District 18 is located just northwest of the Omaha metro and includes Bennington and small areas of North Omaha. Christy Armendariz served this district but choose not to seek another term.

Goldini is an Omaha native, AI business consultant, and co-founder of Nebrask.AI with more than 20 years of experience in marketing, branding, and business strategy across industries including healthcare, finance, law, and technology. A moderate Democrat, Goldoni says she is running to bring a practical, solutions-oriented approach to the Legislature, focusing on property tax relief that protects public schools, reducing government waste, promoting economic growth through innovation, agtech and artificial intelligence, expanding workforce development and skilled trades programs, supporting veterans, and improving government transparency and efficiency.

Taylor Royal is a Bennington resident, financial advisor, and partner at Royal Wealth Partners within Northwestern Mutual, serving clients across the country. After earning degrees in accounting and finance from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Southern Methodist University, Royal worked at Deloitte before returning to Nebraska in 2015. He is campaigning on tax relief, affordability, job creation, workforce development, strong schools, public safety, and support for seniors, veterans, and military families. Royal says he will bring a common-sense, conservative approach focused on economic growth, attracting businesses to Nebraska, and long-term tax reform. He previously ran for Omaha mayor in 2017 and for state treasurer in 2018.

District Party Affiliation:

Republican 40.54% Democrat 31.19% Indep 28.27%

Most Recent Campaign Finance Data

Cash on Hand:

Goldini - $

Royal - $

Young Major Contributions

$1,000+

$500-$1,000

Royal Major Contributions

$1,000+

$500-$1,000