By Erin Bamer | Reporter
The 2026 General Election Voter Guide combines answers from candidates ahead of the May primary and a handful of new, policy-specific questions. Of the 92 candidates on the ballot for federal and state-level races — Congress, state constitutional officers, Nebraska Legislature, State Board of Education and University of Nebraska Board of Regents — more than 90% participated. Gubernatorial candidates select a lieutenant governor running mate.
The 2026 Nebraska candidates running for Congress (top row); governor and lieutenant governor (second row); attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer, auditor of public accounts and Public Service Commission (third row); Legislature (rows four through seven, arranged by legislative district); and State Board of Education and University of Nebraska Board of Regents (bottom row, from left, arranged by district). Three federal candidates, including one who suspended his campaign, are not pictured. (Photos courtesy of the candidates/campaigns | Nebraska Capitol photo by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
ELECTION 2026
By Zach Wendling
LINCOLN — The Nebraska Examiner has officially launched its November 2026 voter guide for all candidates for federal and state office, statewide ballot measures and judges facing an up-or-down vote to remain in office.
Together food pantry in downtown Omaha helps people in need pack up free grocery items during a past holiday season. The number of Nebraskans receiving public food assistance has dropped since the Trump administration’s stricter eligibility and work requirements were implemented in summer of 2025. Advocates are concerned, saying some who need help aren’t getting it and that pressure is weighing on private pantries and food banks. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)
SOCIAL SERVICES
By Cindy Gonzalez
LINCOLN — The number of Nebraskans receiving public food assistance continues a downward slide, punctuated by recent back-to-back record drops in monthly participation since the state began releasing public SNAP data in 2014.
Federal payments for Head Start this year were significantly behind schedule compared with 2024 and that violated the Impoundment Control Act, according to the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office. (Photo by SDI Productions via Getty Images)
COMMENTARY
By Walter Gilliam
Teachers in Nebraska pour time, energy and, yes, money into their students and classrooms.
Data from the Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska shows the average Nebraska early childhood educator spends $192 of their own money each year on classroom expenses. That could include picture books, crayons, extra fruit snacks, or a professional development course to learn new skills.
Nebraska judges, including the six judges on the Nebraska Court of Appeals, front, listen to the investiture ceremony for Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke. Nov. 22, 2024. (Courtesy of Nebraska Judicial Branch)
ICYMI
By Zach Wendling
LINCOLN — Forty-eight Nebraska judges face an up-or-down vote this November on whether they can stay in office through 2032, including two Workers’ Compensation Court judges who serve statewide.
Voters at Deering High School in Portland cast their ballot in Maine’s June 9, 2026 primary election. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)
D.C. BUREAU
By Jacob Fischler
Voting rights groups and Democratic officials are looking to defend against what they see as possible election interference from the Trump administration ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, now that they’ve won a major battle over mail ballots.
Fans cheer on the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)
D.C. BUREAU
By Shauneen Miranda
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on Thursday took another step forward on a sweeping bipartisan bill to overhaul the college sports world.
The measure, clearing its second procedural hurdle on a 77-22 vote, would set national standards for college athletes’ compensation, provide certain antitrust protections to the NCAA, establish a five-year eligibility timeline for athletes and bar professional athletes from competing in college athletics.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
As shortfall looms, Pillen installs allies on board meant to keep politics out of budget forecast | Andrew Wegley and Sara Gentzler, Flatwater Free Press
Homeland Security boss visits Omaha, talks tough on immigration, touts disaster response strides | Cindy Gonzalez
COMMENTARY
Getting petitions, elections just right | George Ayoub
EDITOR'S CHOICE
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