LINCOLN — As of the Feb. 17 incumbent filing deadline for Nebraska’s 2026 election cycle, most current officeholders seeking reelection have filed their candidacies with no major surprises statewide, according to the Nebraska Examiner. A handful of appointed officials — including Public Service Commissioner Christian Mirch, State Sen. Fred Meyer and University of Nebraska Regent Joel Makovicka — chose not to file for their seats, but key statewide figures like Gov. Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, Secretary of State Bob Evnen and Auditor Mike Foley all filed to run again. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts is seeking a full six-year term after his 2024 special election win, while U.S. Reps. Mike Flood and Adrian Smith are also seeking reelection. Twenty-one incumbents in the Legislature and other statewide boards have filed, and nonincumbents still have until March 2 to enter races for offices ranging from federal seats to the Legislature and the Board of Regents.

Several notable departures were confirmed, with U.S. Rep. Don Bacon opting not to seek another term and state Sens. Christy Armendariz and Jane Raybould sticking to earlier decisions not to run again. Ten state senators are ineligible for reelection due to term limits, and additional vacancies on the State Board of Education and University of Nebraska Board of Regents have opened competitive races. Nebraska’s primary election is scheduled for May 12, with the top vote-getters advancing to the Nov. 3 general election.

For the full article, click HERE.