2026 Nebraska gubernatorial election
November 3, 2026
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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 a second term. Democrats have not won a gubernatorial election in Nebraska since 1994.
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Jim Pillen, incumbent governor (2023–present)[2]
- Running mate: Joe Kelly, incumbent lieutenant governor (2023–present)[2]
- Jacy Todd, CBD retail store owner[3]
Publicly expressed interest
- Charles Herbster, agribusiness executive and candidate for governor in 2014 and 2022[4]
Declined
- Don Bacon, U.S. representative from Nebraska's 2nd congressional district (2017–present)[5]
Endorsements
Jim Pillen
- Executive branch officials
- Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[6]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Formed exploratory committee
- Lynne Walz, former state senator from the 15th district (2017–2025) and nominee for lieutenant governor in 2018[7]
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[8] | Solid R | September 11, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[9] | Solid R | August 28, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[10] | Safe R | September 4, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[11] | Likely R | November 25, 2025 |
See also
References
- ^ "2026 State Primary Election Dates". NCSL. May 9, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Wegley, Andrew (September 25, 2025). "Former Nebraska governor candidate Charles Herbster hasn't ruled out 2026 run". Lincoln Journal Star. Archived from the original on September 25, 2025. Retrieved September 26, 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
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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