2026 Nebraska gubernatorial election

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. 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
• Sheila Korth-Focken, former Randolph city administrator
• Jim Pillen, incumbent governor (2023–present)
• Running mate: Joe Kelly, incumbent lieutenant governor (2023–present)
• Gary Rogge, retired farmer
• Jacy Todd, CBD retail store owner
• John Walz, candidate for Nebraska's 3rd congressional district in 2024

Declined

• Don Bacon, U.S. representative from Nebraska's 2nd congressional district (2017–present)
• Charles Herbster, agribusiness executive and candidate for governor in 2014 and 2022
• 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

Endorsements

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

• Larry Marvin, USAF veteran
• Lynne Walz, former state senator from the 15th district (2017–2025) and nominee for lieutenant governor in 2018

Legal Marijuana NOW primary

Candidates

Declared

• Rick Beard
• James Charvat

General election

Predictions

See also

• 2026 United States gubernatorial elections

References

External links

Official campaign websites

• Rick Beard (LMN) for Governor
• James Charvat (LMN) for Governor
• Sheila Korth Focken (R) for Governor
• Jim Pillen (R) for Governor
• Gary Rogge (R) for Governor
• Jacy Todd (R) for Governor
• Lynne Walz (D) for Governor