Yesterday’s primary was anything but a quiet down-ballot affair. With an incumbent governor facing five challengers, a U.S. Senate race drawing national attention, and a competitive open congressional seat, voters had plenty to weigh before making their picks.
Governor
On the Republican side, incumbent Governor Jim Pillen faced five primary challengers. Pillen narrowly secured the nomination in 2022 with just 34% of the vote in a nine-way field. Several challengers entered the race amid scrutiny over Pillen's ties to a no-bid emergency contract awarded by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to a Lincoln contractor the governor had recommended. In the end, Pillen secured his place on the November ballot after finishing the night with approximately 80% of the vote.
Governor Pillen was first elected to public office in 2012, when he joined the Nebraska Board of Regents representing District 3, before winning the governorship in 2022. His first term centered on tax reform and education policy. His re-election campaign continues in that direction, with promises to provide property tax relief, reduce government spending, and bolster the agriculture sector.
On the Democratic side, former State Senator Lynne Walz defeated frequent candidate Larry Marvin to claim the nomination. Walz served in the Nebraska State Senate representing District 15 from 2017 to 2025. She first won the seat by defeating a Republican incumbent and built a reputation for working across party lines during her tenure. Her campaign platform centers on lowering taxes, strengthening schools, expanding rural broadband access, and increasing transparency in government.
The Legal Marijuana Now Party will also appear on the November ballot, though in a race rated Safe Republican by both Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball, their presence is unlikely to shift the outcome.
Attorney General
Incumbent Mike Hilgers ran unopposed in the Republican primary for Attorney General. Hilgers was first elected in 2022 and is seeking a second term. For over 15 years, Hilgers owned a private legal practice handling cases across the state and federal courts. Hilgers’ reelection campaign builds upon his work in office including promoting entrepreneurial and conservative values, supporting law enforcement officials, and protecting natural resources. Prior to serving as attorney general, Hilgers served in the Unicameral from 2017 to 2023.
Jocelyn Brasher ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. Brasher is a seasoned attorney. From 2018 to 2023, she served as an Assistant Attorney in the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Bureau. Most recently, she worked as a litigator at an Omaha private firm. Her campaign prioritizes strengthening consumer protections, supporting law enforcement while upholding accountability and public trust, and fostering responsible oversight of the healthcare industry to ensure affordability and access to care.
Secretary of State
Incumbent Secretary of State Bob Evnen went head-to head with Nebraska business owner, Scott Petersen, in the Republican primary for Secretary of State.
Petersen secured the party’s nomination to oust the sitting secretary with 55% of the vote (compared to Evnen’s 45%). Petersen’s primary campaign centered around Evnen’s record as Secretary of State, calling out the incumbent for not doing enough to secure the state’s elections and questioning the reliability of the state’s ballot-counting machines. If elected, Petersen will prioritize transparency and accountability in elections, calling to restrict mail-in voting and conduct full hand counts of entire races, particularly in those that are close.
Small business owner Sarah Slattery and freelancer Lee Cimfel competed in the Democratic primary for Secretary of State. Slattery secured the party’s nomination with 91% of the vote. Over the past 18 years, Slattery has worked alongside her family to build their small business, Slattery Vintage Estates, into an agri-tourism destination. In 2022, Slattery ran for the Nebraska Legislature in District 2. Slattery’s campaign focuses on increasing public trust in elections, improving voter education, and supporting small businesses through simplified licensing processes. She also calls to implement same-day voter registration to increase voter participation.
State Treasurer
Incumbent State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg ran unopposed in the Republican primary. He was appointed to the position by Governor Pillen in 2025 and is seeking election to his first full term. He previously served as the mayor of Fremont from 2020 to 2025. Spellerberg’s agenda includes improving financial literacy, increasing transparency in state spending, and addressing government waste.
Daniel Ebers ran unopposed in the Democratic primary for State Treasurer. Ebers’ career experience includes working in hotel management.
State Legislature
Twenty-four (24) out of 49 seats in the Nebraska State Senate are up for reelection. Twelve (12) incumbents did not file for reelection, including Speaker John Arch who is term limited. Members of the legislature unanimously elected him to serve as speaker in 2023. While the Unicameral is officially nonpartisan, Republican-affiliated members will likely continue to control the body following the general election.