A record number of seats in the House of Representatives are up for grabs during this midterm election year. Currently, the Associated Press reports, 58 House members are not running for reelection, 21 democrats and 37 republicans. Not included in that number are the nine members who resigned or died this term; those seats will also be up for grabs.
Each election year is a flurry of activity; however, with so many seats up for grabs, elections this year could set the stage for control of the House, Senate and even the presidency. Currently, Republicans hold a slim majority control of both the House and Senate. Yet, the New York Times reports that as of April 24, an estimated 58% of Americans disapprove of President Trump. A March Pew Research Poll found that 60% of Americans disapprove of his handling of Iran, including 30% of Republicans.
Meanwhile, several positions are up for grabs in Nebraska’s primary and general elections. Hot topics include the state’s property taxes, which have stayed consistently high, a drop in state revenue correlated with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and voter-approved ballot measures.
Nebraska Public Media reports that approved ballot measures concerning paid sick leave and minimum wage increases have been altered by the Legislature. Similarly, the slow rollout of the 2024 voter-approved medical marijuana program has drawn criticism.
Current governor Jim Pillen is running for reelection on a campaign of reducing state spending, including reductions to state agencies’ budgets, winner-take-all voting that would remove the split electoral vote and taxpayer-funded scholarships for private and parochial schools.
Former Nebraska state Senator Democrat Lynne Walz is running for governor as well on a self-described non-partisan unity campaign. As a senator, Walz supported law enforcement, accelerated highway projects and increased rural internet access. Her campaign priorities include lowering taxes and strengthening public schools.
Republican Sheila Korth-Focken told Nebraska Public Media that Nebraska “isn’t headed in the right direction.” Her campaign for governor focuses on reducing state spending, supporting farmers and prioritizing child safety. Notably, she has chosen not to raise money for her campaign, writing in a blog that she “would rather work for Nebraskans than large donors.”
Republican Gary Rogge has publicly critizced trump, especially his use of Immigration and Customs and Enforcemnt (ICE). His campaign focuses on environmental policy and aiding displaced Lexington workers. Rogge has called Pillen a “lap dog” for Trump and accused him of initiating political indoctrination in schools via “Club America” chapters.
Republican Jacy Todd is campaigning on ending high taxes, government transparency, supporting law enforcement and gun rights. Todd was found guilty of 23 counts of official misconduct and one count of making a false statement under oath due to his work as a notary. In the 2024 petitions that approved a statewide medical cannabis program, officials noted errors with names, dates and signatures.
Democrat Larry Marvin has prioritized affordable insurance, faith and transparency in government. He worked as a volunteer firefighter for years before running for the Lincoln City Council. Despite not getting the vote, he has put his name down for every Nebraska U.S. Senate primary since 2008.
Rick Beard is running as part of the Legal Marijuana NOW campaign. Along with improving the statewide medical marijuana rollout, Beard has promised to lower property taxes, fix roads and fund schools and recovery programs.
Another Legal Marijuana NOW candidate, James Charvat, who supports the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis. His other campaign promises are to simplify pension plans, support cattle ranchers and provide more transparency regarding state debt.
Republican Sam Holguin is a veteran of the Air Force who’s campaigning on supporting small businesses, creating economic opportunities, and providing more resources for communities. As a small business owner, Holguin is prioritizing Nebraska’s financial well-being.
Lastly, Republican John Walz doesn’t have much in terms of campaigning; in fact, he filed as a candidate days before the deadline. Instead, Walz has entered the running in support of Pillen and as a self-described backup should anything happen to take Pillen out of the running. “If Governor Pillen were forced to withdraw from the race after the filing deadline, and no other viable Republican candidate had filed, Nebraska could find itself in a situation where the governor’s office might effectively be handed to the Democrats by default,” Walz wrote in an email to Nebraska Public Media.
April 27 was the last day for online and mail-in registrations. However, voters can still register in person until May 1. Primary election polls will open on May 12, determining which candidates will represent each party in the general election in November.
