2026 Nebraska gubernatorial election
November 3, 2026
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| Elections in Nebraska |
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The 2026 Nebraska gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Nebraska. The primary elections will take place on May 12, 2026.[1] Incumbent Republican governor Jim Pillen is seeking re-election to a second term. Democrats have not won a gubernatorial election in Nebraska since 1994.
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Sal Holguin[2]
- Sheila Korth-Focken, former Randolph city administrator[3]
- Jim Pillen, incumbent governor (2023–present)[4]
- Running mate: Joe Kelly, incumbent lieutenant governor (2023–present)[4]
- Gary Rogge[2]
- Jacy Todd, CBD retail store owner[5]
- John Walz[2]
Declined
- Don Bacon, U.S. representative from Nebraska's 2nd congressional district (2017–present)[6]
- Charles Herbster, agribusiness executive and candidate for governor in 2014 and 2022[7]
- Brett Lindstrom, former state senator from the 18th district (2015–2023), candidate for Nebraska's 2nd congressional district in 2012, and candidate for governor in 2022[8]
Endorsements
Jim Pillen
- Executive branch officials
- Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[9]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Larry Marvin, USAF veteran[2]
- Lynne Walz, former state senator from the 15th district (2017–2025) and nominee for lieutenant governor in 2018[10][11]
Legal Marijuana NOW primary
Candidates
Declared
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[12] | Solid R | September 11, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[13] | Solid R | August 28, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[14] | Safe R | September 4, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[15] | Likely R | November 25, 2025 |
See also
References
- ^ "2026 State Primary Election Dates". NCSL. May 9, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "Hundreds file for Nebraska primary election; Governor's race among the most hotly contested". KOLN. March 3, 2026.
- ^ Mueting, Brandon (January 8, 2026). "Randolph native announces bid for Nebraska governor". KOLN. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
- ^ a b Sanderford, Aaron (May 29, 2025). "Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen announces reelection bid amid Herbster speculation". Nebraska Examiner. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ Wendling, Zach (July 8, 2025). "Medical cannabis advocate, targeted notary running for Nebraska governor". Nebraska Examiner. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
- ^ Wong, Scott; Thorp, Frank (July 6, 2025). "Centrist Rep. Don Bacon is done with Congress — but open to a potential presidential bid". NBC News. Retrieved July 6, 2025.
He said he would not run against incumbent Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen
- ^ Salinas II, Juan (March 2, 2026). "No 2026 rerun: Charles Herbster will not run for Nebraska governor". Nebraska Examiner. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ^ Salinas II, Juan (January 30, 2026). "Former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom out of Nebraska's 2nd District GOP race". Nebraska Examiner. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
- ^ "Donald Trump endorses Gov. Jim Pillen for reelection". News From The States. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
- ^ Wendling, Zach (November 24, 2025). "Former State Sen. Lynne Walz steps toward run for Nebraska governor". Nebraska Examiner. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
- ^ Olberding, Matt (January 21, 2026). "Former Democratic senator officially announces gubernatorial campaign". Nebraska Public Media. Retrieved January 21, 2026.
- ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
External links
- Official campaign websites