LINCOLN— Independent candidate Austin Ahlman says he has collected more than the 2,000 signatures required to qualify for Nebraska's 1st Congressional District ballot this November, though his campaign plans to keep gathering signatures before the Aug. 3 filing deadline. If certified, Ahlman will join Republican incumbent Rep. Mike Flood, Democratic nominee Chris Backemeyer, and Libertarian Nik Sandman in a four-way race.

Ahlman, a journalist who entered the race after the May primary, said his campaign has seen strong grassroots support. However, Nebraska Democrats have criticized his candidacy, arguing it could split the anti-Flood vote. Despite the additional candidate, political analysts continue to rate the 1st District as safely Republican, with Flood having won his previous two elections by comfortable double-digit margins.

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