2026 Nebraska Legislature election

Not to be confused with 2026 United States House of Representatives elections in Nebraska or 2026 United States Senate election in Nebraska.

2026 Nebraska Legislature election

←  2024 November 3, 2026 Officially nonpartisan 2028 →
25 of the 49 seats in the Nebraska Legislature 25 [a] seats needed for a majority
Dem Leader John Arch (term-limited) None Megan Hunt (de facto, term-limited) Party Republican Democratic Independent Leader since January 4, 2023 n/a May 5, 2023 Leader's seat 14th district n/a 8th district Last election 33 15 1 Current seats 33 15 [b] 1 [b]
Republican incumbent     Term-limited Republican      Democratic incumbent     Term-limited or retiring Democrat      Term-limited Independent     No election
Incumbent Speaker John Arch Republican

The 2026 Nebraska Legislature election will be held on November 3, 2026, alongside the other 2026 United States elections. ^[2] Voters will elect members of the Nebraska Legislature in half of the U.S. state of Nebraska's 49 legislative districts to serve a two-year term. ^[3]

Retirements

Republican

1. District 2: Robert Clements is term-limited.
2. District 14: John Arch is term-limited.
3. District 16: Ben Hansen is term-limited.
4. District 18: Christy Armendariz is retiring. ^[4]
5. District 22: Mike Moser is term-limited.
6. District 30: Myron Dorn is term-limited.
7. District 32: Tom Brandt is term-limited.
8. District 38: Dave Murman is term-limited.

Democratic

1. District 6: Machaela Cavanaugh is term-limited.
2. District 10: Wendy DeBoer is term-limited.
3. District 28: Jane Raybould is retiring. ^[5]

Independent

1. District 8: Megan Hunt is term-limited.

Summary of results by district

District	2024 Pres. [6]	Incumbent	Party		Elected Senator	Outcome
2nd	R+24.9	Robert Clements		Rep	TBD
4th	R+5.9	Brad von Gillern		Rep	TBD
6th	D+15.8	Machaela Cavanaugh		Dem	TBD
8th	D+36.8	Megan Hunt		Ind	TBD
10th	D+8.2	Wendy DeBoer		Dem	TBD
12th	D+2.3	Merv Riepe		Rep	TBD
14th	R+8.7	John Arch		Rep	TBD
16th	R+47.6	Ben Hansen		Rep	TBD
18th	R+1.7	Christy Armendariz		Rep	TBD
20th	D+10.8	John Fredrickson		Dem	TBD
22nd	R+59.2	Mike Moser		Rep	TBD
24th	R+51.4	Jana Hughes		Rep	TBD
26th	D+10.2	George Dungan		Dem	TBD
28th	D+33.1	Jane Raybould		Dem	TBD
30th	R+20.8	Myron Dorn		Rep	TBD
32nd	R+44.6	Tom Brandt		Rep	TBD
34th	R+53.4	Loren Lippincott		Rep	TBD
36th	R+23.2	Rick Holdcroft		Rep	TBD
38th	R+66.4	Dave Murman		Rep	TBD
40th	R+70.5	Barry DeKay		Rep	TBD
41st		Fred Meyer		Rep	TBD
42nd	R+58	Mike Jacobson		Rep	TBD
44th	R+61.9	Teresa Ibach		Rep	TBD
46th	D+13.7	Danielle Conrad		Dem	TBD
48th	R+50.4	Brian Hardin		Rep	TBD

List of districts

District 2 • District 4 • District 6 • District 8 • District 10 • District 12 • District 14 • District 16 • District 18 • District 20 • District 22 • District 24 • District 26 • District 28 • District 30 • District 31 (Special) • District 32 • District 34 • District 36 • District 38 • District 40 • District 41 • District 42 • District 44 • District 46 • District 48

District 2

The 2nd district is represented by Republican Robert Clements, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election. It encompasses all of Cass County along with parts of eastern Lincoln.

Candidates

Declared

• Dean Helmick (Republican), former Cass County GOP chairman ^[7]
• Jayden Speed (Democratic), university student ^[8]
• Caitlin Knutson (Democratic), former special education teacher ^[9]

Endorsements

Dean Helmick

U.S. Representatives

• Mike Flood, NE-1 (2022-present)

Statewide Officials

• Dave Heineman, former Governor of Nebraska (2005-2015)
• Mike Foley, Auditor of Nebraska (2007-2015, 2023-present)

Local Officials

• Robert Sorenson, Cass County Sheriff
• Alex DeGarmo, Cass County Commissioner
• Duane Murdoch, Cass County Commissioner
• Paul Lambert, Mayor of Plattsmouth

Organizations

• Cass County Republican Party

Jayden Speed

Organizations

• Run for Something ^[10]

District 4

The 4th district is represented by Republican Brad von Gillern, who is running for re-election.

Candidates

Declared

• Brad von Gillern (Republican), incumbent State Sentator (2023-present)
• Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek (Independent), President of Better Ballots Nebraska

District 6

The 6th district is represented by Democrat Machaela Cavanaugh, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.

Candidates

Declared

• Nate Ostdiek (Democratic), university student ^[11]
• Patrick Leahy (Democratic), recycling executive ^[12]

Endorsements

Nate Ostdiek

Organizations

• Run for Something ^[13]

District 8

The 8th district is represented by Independent Megan Hunt, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.

Candidates

Declared

• Terry Brewer (Republican), pastor and candidate for mayor of Omaha in 2017 ^[14]
• Erin Feichtinger (Democratic), Policy Director of the Women's Fund of Omaha ^[15]
• Josh Livingston (Democratic), Former Deputy Sarpy County and Family Law Attorney ^[16]

Endorsements

Erin Feichtinger

State Legislators

• Megan Hunt, State Senator from the 8th District (2018 - Present) ^[17]

District 10

The 10th district is represented by Democrat Wendy DeBoer, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.

Candidates

Declared

• Cindy Johnson (Democratic), Audiologist and Education Advocate ^[18]
• Rebecca Rens (Republican), UNMC Board of Counselors Member ^[19]

District 12

The 12th district is represented by Republican Merv Riepe, who is running for re-election. ^[20]

Candidates

Declared

• Merv Riepe (Republican), incumbent State Senator ^[20]
• Christy Knorr (Democratic), nurse ^[21]
• Robin Richards (Democratic), President of the Ralston School Board and candidate for the seat in 2022 ^[22]
• Bill Steckis (Republican), Omaha sportscaster ^[23]

District 14

The 14th district is represented by Republican John Arch, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.

Candidates

Declared

• Bill Bowes (Republican), Former Papillion-La Vista Fire Chief ^[24]
• Jay Jackson (Republican), Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve ^[25]
• SuAnn Witt (Democratic), Papillion La Vista School Board President ^[26]

District 16

The 16th district is represented by Republican Ben Hansen, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.

Declared

• Ted Japp (Republican), former member of the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board ^[27]

District 18

The 18th district is represented by Republican Christy Armendariz, who is retiring. ^[4]

Candidates

Declared

• Jess Goldoni (Democratic), businesswoman ^[28]
• Taylor Royal (Republican), financial planner and candidate for Nebraska State Treasurer in 2018 and mayor of Omaha in 2017 ^[29]
• Derek Schwartz (Republican), La Vista Police Officer ^[30]

District 20

The 20th district is represented by Democrat John Fredrickson, who is running for re-election. ^[31]

Candidates

Declared

• John Fredrickson (Democratic), incumbent State Senator ^[31]
• Chris Anderson (Republican), Aerospace industry consultant ^[23]

District 22

The 22nd district is represented by Republican Mike Moser, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.

Candidates

Declared

• Dawson Brunswick (Republican) ^[32]

District 24

The 24th district is represented by Republican Jana Hughes, who is running for re-election. ^[33]

Candidates

Declared

• Jana Hughes (Republican), incumbent State Senator ^[33]

District 26

The 26th district is represented by Democrat George Dungan III, who is running for re-election. ^[34]

Candidates

Declared

• George Dungan III (Democratic), incumbent State Senator ^[34]

District 28

The 28th district is represented by Democrat Jane Raybould, who announced in June 2025 that she would not seek re-election in 2026. ^[5]

Candidates

Declared

• Patty Pansing Brooks (Democratic), former State Senator ^[35]

District 30

The 30th district is represented by Republican Myron Dorn, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.

Candidates

Declared

• Timothy Bentzinger (Democratic) ^[36]
• Cally Ideus (Republican), Insurance agent and nonprofit owner. ^[37]

District 32

The 32nd district is represented by Republican Tom Brandt, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.

Candidates

Declared

• Mark Schoenrock (Republican), Jefferson County Commissioner ^[38]
• Shay Smith (Independent), attorney ^[39]

District 34

The 34th district is represented by Republican Loren Lippincott, who is running for re-election. ^[40]

Candidates

Declared

• Loren Lippincott (Republican), incumbent state senator ^[40]

District 36

The 36th district is represented by Republican Rick Holdcroft, who is running for re-election. ^[41]

Candidates

Declared

• Rick Holdcroft (Republican), incumbent state senator ^[41]
• Darin Tompkins (Independent), business leader ^[42]

District 38

The 38th district is represented by Republican Dave Murman, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.

Candidates

Declared

• Tim Anderson (Republican), Mayor of Sutton (2024–present) ^[43]
• Jon Capps (Republican), Vice Chair of the Webster County GOP ^[44]
• Janell Anderson Ehrke (Republican), Founder and CEO of GROW Nebraska ^[45]
• Melanie Knight (Democratic), Education advocate ^[46]
• Wes Wilmot (Republican), Vice Chair of Furnas County GOP ^[47]

District 40

The 40th district is represented by Republican Barry DeKay, who is running for re-election. ^[48]

Candidates

Declared

• Barry DeKay (Republican), incumbent state senator ^[48]

District 41

The 41st district is represented by Republican Fred Meyer, who has not announced whether he will run for the seat in the special election.

Candidates

Declared

• Joe Johnson (Republican), businessman ^[49]
• Jacob W. Sikes (Republican), orthotic ^[50]

District 42

The 42nd district is represented by Republican Mike Jacobson, who is running for re-election. ^[51]

Candidates

Declared

• Mike Jacobson (Republican), incumbent state senator ^[51]

District 44

The 44th district is represented by Republican Teresa Ibach, who is running for re-election. ^[52]

Candidates

Declared

• Teresa Ibach (Republican), incumbent state senator ^[52]

District 46

The 46th district is represented by Democrat Danielle Conrad, who is running for re-election. ^[53]

Candidates

Declared

• Danielle Conrad (Democratic), incumbent state senator ^[53]

District 48

The 48th district is represented by Republican Brian Hardin, who is running for re-election. ^[54]

Candidates

Declared

• Brian Hardin (Republican), incumbent state senator ^[54]

Notes

1. In Nebraska, a two-thirds vote of all members is required to overcome a filibuster. Thus, 33 votes are required to hold a filibuster-proof majority. ^[1]
2. Megan Hunt of Omaha was elected as a Democrat but switched party affiliation to Independent in May 2023.

References

1. Metzler, Brandon (January 19, 2023), "Rule 7, Section 10", Rules of the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature (PDF), p. 53, A two-thirds majority of the elected members shall be required for the cloture motion to be successful.
2. Booker, Brakkton (2025-07-29). "The 2026 midterms are officially underway". POLITICO. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
3. "Nebraska State Senate elections, 2026". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2025-08-10.
4. Wendling, Zach (September 30, 2025). "Omaha State Sen. Christy Armendariz will not seek reelection in 2026". Nebraska Examiner. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
5. Bane, Katie (June 12, 2025). "Sen. Jane Raybould to not seek reelection to Nebraska Legislature". KETV . Retrieved August 11, 2025.
6. "The 2024 Election at a Precinct Level". VoteHub. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
7. Wendling, Zach (2026-02-18). "No statewide surprises at Nebraska incumbent filing deadline for 2026 election • Nebraska Examiner". Nebraska Examiner. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
8. Fryzek, Katelyn (29 September 2025). "College student Jayden Speed runs for Nebraska Legislature". The Daily Nebraskan . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
9. Wegley, Andrew (2 October 2025). "Former special education teacher joins race for District 2 seat in Nebraska Legislature" . Lincoln Journal Star. Archived from the original on 3 October 2025. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
10. https://runforsomething.medium.com/56-young-candidates-charting-a-new-path-forward-in-2026-8db630888429
11. Ahlstrom, Morgan (15 September 2025). "Political newcomer Nate Ostdiek launches campaign for NE Legislature seat". Nebraska Television Network . Retrieved 23 October 2025.
12. First Alert 6 staff reports (November 6, 2025). "Patrick Leahy announces candidacy for Nebraska Legislature". WOWT . Retrieved November 20, 2025.
13. https://directory.runforsomething.net/candidate/137cda7a845ddcc5306ea3890f724665/ostdiek-nate/
14. Riley, Elaina (2025-10-14). "Election 2026: Former Omaha mayoral candidate looking for spot in state senate". WOWT . Retrieved 2025-10-23.
15. https://erinfornebraska.com/#meet-erin
16. Reyes, Josh. "Omaha attorney Josh Livingston announces candidacy for Nebraska Legislature". omaha.com. Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
17. "Instagram".
18. Reyes, Josh. "Omaha audiologist and education advocate seeks to join Nebraska Legislature". omaha.com. Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
19. "Rebecca Rens for Nebraska". Rebecca Rens for Nebraska. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
20. Stanton, Tom (November 20, 2025). "State Senator Merv Riepe Launches Re-Election Campaign". KLIN . Retrieved November 20, 2025.
21. Reyes, Josh (24 September 2025). "Hospice nurse pledges to follow voters' will in bid for Omaha metro legislative seat" . Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on 24 September 2025. Retrieved 24 October 2025.
22. Reyes, Josh. "Ralston school board president making another run for Nebraska Legislature". omaha.com. Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
23. "2026 Candidates". Nebraska GOP. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
24. "About - Bill Bowes for District 14". votebowes.com. 2023-09-27. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
25. "Jay Jackson for Nebraska State Legislature | Vote for Common-Sense Conservatism". Jay Jackson for Nebraska State Legislature. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
26. Nebraska, Witt for. "Witt for Nebraska". Witt for Nebraska. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
27. "Japp announces candidacy for District 16 seat in Nebraska Legislature". The Norfolk Daily News. 2025-12-23. Retrieved 2026-01-29.
28. Wendling, Zach (30 September 2025). "Businesswoman, AI strategist runs for Nebraska Legislative District 18". Nebraska Examiner . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
29. Wendling, Zach (30 September 2025). "Financial planner, former Omaha mayoral candidate runs for Nebraska Legislative District 18". Nebraska Examiner . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
30. Wendling, Zach (2026-02-12). "La Vista police officer runs for Nebraska Legislative District 18 • Nebraska Examiner". Nebraska Examiner. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
31. Reyes, Josh (September 25, 2025). "Omaha lawmaker John Fredrickson emphasizes bipartisan work in bid for reelection". Omaha World-Herald . Retrieved September 26, 2025.
32. "Brunswick for Legislature". Brunswick for Legislature. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
33. Kennedy, Doug (30 June 2025). "State lawmaker from Seward to seek another term". News Channel Nebraska . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
34. "Senator George Dungan announces re-election campaign". KOLN. 11 June 2025. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
35. Wegley, Andrew (June 13, 2025). "Former Lincoln Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks will seek return to Legislature in 2026". Lincoln Journal Star . Retrieved August 11, 2025.
36. "2026 Candidates". Lancaster Dems. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
37. Schlotterbeck, Rob (2025-06-18). "Veteran, Filley businesswoman Ideus to run for District 30 seat". The Beatrice Daily Sun. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
38. "Mark Schoenrock". Mark Schoenrock. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
39. Hopkins, Gordon (2025-09-05). "Another Candidate Enters Race for District 32". Fairbury Journal News. Retrieved 2025-10-23.
40. "Loren Lippincott announces reelection campaign for Nebraska Legislature". Central Nebraska Today. 4 August 2025. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
41. Reyes, Josh (6 September 2025). "State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue to seek reelection to Nebraska Legislature" . Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on 8 September 2025. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
42. reports, First Alert 6 staff (2025-10-20). "Election 2026: Community volunteer, business leader enters race for Nebraska Legislature". WOWT . Retrieved 2025-10-23.
43. "Tim Anderson announces campaign for Nebraska Legislature in District 38". The Clay County News. 2025-06-18. Retrieved 2025-10-23.
44. "Meet the Candidates Vying for District 38 Seat in Nebraska Legislature - Panhandle NCN". News Channel Nebraska (in Spanish). Retrieved 2026-02-27.
45. Norgaard, Victoria (2026-02-16). "Rural business leader runs for Nebraska Legislature". https://www.ksnblocal4.com . Retrieved 2026-02-27.{{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
46. "Knight announces campaign for Legislature in District 38". valleyvoicene.com. Valley Voice. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
47. "Conservative Republican Wes Wilmot launches campaign for District 38". KRVN 880 – KRVN 93.1 – KAMI. 2025-08-26. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
48. Cobler, Ariana (9 July 2025). "Senator Barry DeKay launches reelection bid for NE's District 40". Nebraska Television Network . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
49. Legislature, Joe Johnson for Nebraska. "Joe Johnson files to run for Nebraska Legislature in District 41". Central Nebraska Today. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
50. "Jacob W. Sikes - District 41 Legislature". www.jacobsikes.com. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
51. Wendling, Zach (18 June 2025). "Election 2026 Government & Politics Briefly Nebraska lawmaker announces skin cancer diagnosis, pledges to seek reelection in 2026". Nebraska Examiner . Retrieved 7 October 2025.
52. "Southwest Nebraska senator seeks reelection". KSNB-TV. 24 September 2025. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
53. "Senator Danielle Conrad announces re-election campaign". KOLN. 15 September 2025. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
54. "Brian Hardin announces reelection campaign for Nebraska Legislature". Star-Herald . August 11, 2025. Retrieved August 11, 2025.

External links

Official campaign websites for 2nd district candidates

• Caitlin Knutson for Legislature
• Jayden Speed for Legislature

Official campaign websites for 6th district candidates

• Patrick Leahy for Legislature
• Nate Ostdiek for Legislature

Official campaign websites for 12th district candidates

• Christy Knorr for Legislature

Official campaign websites for 18th district candidates

• Jess Goldoni for Legislature
• Taylor Royal for Legislature

Official campaign websites for 20th district candidates

• John Fredrickson for Legislature

Official campaign websites for 24th district candidates

• Jana Hughes for Legislature

Official campaign websites for 26th district candidates

• George Dungan for Legislature

Official campaign websites for 28th district candidates

• Patty Pansing Brooks for Legislature

Official campaign websites for 32nd district candidates

• Shaylene Smith for Legislature

Official campaign websites for 36th district candidates

• Rick Holdcroft for Legislature
• Darin Tompkins for Legislature

Official campaign websites for 38th district candidates

• Tim Anderson for Legislature

Official campaign websites for 46th district candidates

• Danielle Conrad for Legislature

Official campaign websites for 48th district candidates

• Brian Hardin for Legislature