Douglas County voters can now view sample ballots for next month’s primary election online on the Douglas County Election Commission’s website.
The county’s Republican, Democratic, third-party and nonpartisan voters all face lengthy ballots for the May 12 election, including choosing nominees for the gubernatorial, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and many state, county and local races.
Some down-ballot candidates, including in the Republican primary for Douglas County attorney and the Republican and Democratic primaries for Douglas County sheriff, do not appear on the primary ballot due to a lack of challengers.
Voters registered nonpartisan will be able to choose one partisan ballot to cast. If nonpartisan voters choose to cast a Republican or Legal Marijuana Now ballot, they are limited to casting votes only on primary candidates for federal office. The Nebraska Democratic Party and Libertarian Party of Nebraska allow nonpartisan voters full access to their primary ballots.
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Republican ballot
U.S. Senate
On the Republican ballot, incumbent U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts has drawn four challengers: Eric Mortimore, Todd Knobel, Mac Stevens and Debb Axtell Schultz.
Governor
Incumbent Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has drawn five challengers: Sheila Korth-Focken, Gary Rogge, Jacy Todd, Sal Holguin and John Walz.
U.S. House, 2nd Congressional District
Brinker Harding, an Omaha City Council member, is the only candidate listed on the Republican ballot to represent Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives after former Nebraska Sen. Brett Lindstrom dropped out of the race in January.Â
Secretary of state
Incumbent Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen is facing a primary challenge from Scott Petersen.
Attorney general, auditor, treasurerÂ
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, Auditor Mike Foley and Treasurer Joey Spellerberg are running unopposed.
Nebraska Public Service Commission
Dennis McCann is running unopposed in the primary for the Nebraska Public Service Commission District 2 seat. McCann seeks to succeed Christian Mirch.
Douglas County Board
In the Douglas County Board race, Republican incumbent P.J. Morgan is facing a primary challenge from Chris Chappelear in the District 4 race. Meanwhile, Tim Donahue and Colleen Brennan are vying to succeed the retiring Mary Ann Borgeson in representing District 6 on the board.
Democratic ballot
U.S. Senate
On the Democratic ballot, William Forbes and Cindy Burbank are running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. Forbes, a pastor and anti-abortion activist from the Nebraska Panhandle, has been accused of being a Republican plant to damage the independent candidacy of Dan Osborn. Burbank has said that if she wins the nomination, she will drop out and support Osborn. The Nebraska Democratic Party has thrown its support behind Osborn.
Governor
Former Nebraska State Sen. Lynne Walz and U.S. Air Force veteran Larry Marvin are seeking to become the Democratic gubernatorial nominee to likely face Pillen in the general election.
Secretary of state, treasurer, attorney general
Democrats Lee Cimfel and Sarah Slattery are running for the secretary of state nomination to likely face Evnen in the general election. Nebraska treasurer candidate Daniel Ebers and attorney general candidate Jocelyn Brasher are running unopposed in the Democratic primary.
U.S. House, 2nd Congressional District
Democratic voters will be asked to choose one of seven Democrats running to face Harding and succeed retiring Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon in the House of Representatives. The Democratic U.S. House candidates listed on the ballot are former attorney Van Argyrakis, Nebraska State Sen. John Cavanaugh, Douglas County Clerk Crystal Rhoades, former Veterans Affairs official Kishla Askins, political action committee co-founder Denise Powell, former congressional policy director James Leuschen and progressive activist Melanie Williams.
Leuschen will appear on the ballot, though he ended his campaign for what is considered a key race for national Democrats seeking to reclaim control of the U.S. House. In an email to The World-Herald, Argyrakis endorsed Cavanaugh and said he stands the best chance to win the general election. He said the other Democratic candidates should concede to support Cavanaugh. Argyrakis later said he has not suspended his campaign.
Nebraska Public Service Commission
Term-limited Nebraska State Sen. Wendy DeBoer is running unopposed in the Democratic primary to represent District 2 on the Nebraska Public Service Commission.
Douglas County attorney
Former Douglas County criminal prosecutor Amy Jacobsen and Omaha city prosecutor Makayla Danner are vying to become the Democratic nominee in the Douglas County attorney’s race. The primary winner will face Republican incumbent Don Kleine.Â
Douglas County District Court clerk
Former Nebraska State Sen. Justin Wayne and former Omaha Public Power District Board member Tom Barrett are competing in the Democratic primary to succeed Rhoades as Douglas County District Court clerk.
Douglas County Board
In the Douglas County Board race, Democrat and incumbent District 2 board member James Cavanaugh faces a primary challenge from Omaha teacher and activist Whitney Hansen.
Douglas County treasurer
Former Nebraska State Sen. Tony Vargas and City of Omaha Assistant Director of Human Rights and Relations Christian Espinosa Torres are vying to become the Democratic nominee for Douglas County treasurer. The county treasurer position was held by John Ewing before Ewing’s election and inauguration as Omaha mayor last summer. Tim Cavanaugh has been serving out the remainder of Ewing’s treasurer term.
Libertarian ballot
The Libertarian Party of Nebraska has one candidate on the Douglas County primary ballot in U.S. House candidate Eric Michael Foreman.
Legal Marijuana Now ballot
U.S. Senate
Douglas County voters registered with the Legal Marijuana Now party can choose between Earl Starkey and Mike Marvin to be the party’s U.S. Senate nominee.
Governor
Rick Beard and James Charvat III are running to be the party’s gubernatorial nominee.
Nonpartisan races
Numerous nonpartisan races for state and local offices will also be listed on primary ballots in Douglas County.
LegislatureÂ
In the Nebraska Legislature, incumbent State Sen. Brad von Gillern faces a challenge from Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek to represent District 4. Since there are no other formal challengers, von Gillern and Maxwell-Ostdiek will advance to the general election.
Other legislative races with two candidates include Patrick Leahy and Nate Ostdiek looking to succeed term-limited Machaela Cavanaugh in District 6, Cindy Johnson and Rebecca Rens looking to succeed DeBoer in District 10, and incumbent Rick Holdcroft facing a challenge from Darin Tompkins in District 36. All candidates will advance to the general election.
In legislative District 8, two candidates will advance to the general election in an attempt to succeed term-limited Megan Hunt. The three people running are Josh Livingston, Erin Feichtinger and Terry Brewer.Â
District 12's Merv Riepe is facing challenges from Christy Knorr and Thomas Kastrup.
Derek Schwartz, Taylor Royal and Jess Goldoni are running to succeed Christy Armendariz, who is not seeking reelection to the District 18 seat.
District 20 incumbent John Fredrickson is facing challenges from Chris Anderson and Dan Witt.
Nebraska Board of Education
Some Douglas County voters will also be able to pick between Lou Ann Goding and Sherrye Hutcherson to be the District 8 representative on the Nebraska Board of Education. Incumbent board member Deb Neary is not seeking reelection.
University of Nebraska Board of Regents
Some Douglas County primary ballots will also list one of two University of Nebraska Board of Regents races.
Larry Bradley, Michael Skocz, Jim Rogers, Justin Solomon and Ricketts’ wife, Susanne Shore, are running to represent District 4 on the NU board for a four-year term. Elizabeth O’Connor had held the seat until she resigned in January after being charged in a drunken-driving crash last year. Pillen appointed former Husker fullback and physical therapist Joel Makovicka to hold the seat after O’Connor’s resignation.
Health care executive and former Columbus Planning and Zoning Board Chair Jill Wolfe and Omaha City Clerk Elizabeth Butler are looking to succeed current Regent Jack Stark in representing District 2. Stark opted to not seek re-election.
Learning Community Coordinating Council District 1
• Ken Waters
• Roxanne Dockter
• David Preston Jr.
• Jason Boyd
Learning Community Coordinating Council District 3
• Corwin Keller
• Suzie Fogarty
• Maggie Duffy
Learning Community Coordinating Council District 5
• Sarah Dragon
• Mayra Piedrahita
• Tonya Ward
• Linda Vermooten
Metropolitan Utilities District Board of Directors Subdivision 3
• Gwen Howard
• Andrew Adams
Metropolitan Utilities District Board of Directors Subdivision 4
• Tim Cavanaugh
Metropolitan Utilities District Board of Directors Subdivision 5
• Tanya Cook
Omaha Public Power District Subdivision 2
• Jay Ignowski
• Mark Gudgel
• Flint Harkness
• Joseph Giitter
Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha District 1
• Cornelius Williams
Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha District 3
• Yanira Garcia
Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha District 5
• Josh Corrigan
Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha District 7
• Tim Lonergan
Omaha Public Schools board Subdistrict 2
• Peter Jessen
• Bri Full
• Jamar Dorsey Sr.
Westside Community Schools board
• Stephanie Adams
• Sean Conway
Douglas County voters can look at their specific sample ballot online by entering their house number and ZIP code on the Douglas County Election Commission’s website at votedouglascounty-ne.gov.
Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of March 2026
People bow their heads for a moment of silence during a candlelight mat ceremony for former student and instructor Noah Tietjens at Martial Arts International in Bellevue, on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, was killed Sunday when a drone hit a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait.
Grandmaster Julius Melegrito speaks to a class during a candlelight mat ceremony for former student and instructor Noah Tietjens at Martial Arts International in Bellevue, on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, was killed Sunday when a drone hit a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait.
People bow their heads for a moment of silence during a candlelight mat ceremony for former student and instructor Noah Tietjens at Martial Arts International in Bellevue, on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, was killed Sunday when a drone hit a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait.
Ahmad Nazar, owner of Ahmad’s Persian Cuisine at 4646 Dodge St. poses for a portrait in his restaurant in Omaha, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
A sign hangs from the barriers surrounding the 16th Street sinkhole in Omaha, on Monday, March 2, 2026. Two vehicles fell into a sinkhole last Tuesday on Pacific Street just east of 67th Street. The 16th Street sinkhole that formed in January 2025 between Harney and Farnam Streets — after swallowing a garbage truck — remains unrepaired, a yearlong closure that has drawn frustration from downtown businesses and residents.
Workers dry off the seats before the first inning a college baseball game between Nebraska and Omaha at Hawks Field in Lincoln on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Nebraska's Dylan Carey (15) slides back into first base during the second inning a college baseball game against Omaha at Hawks Field in Lincoln on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Omaha's Drew Borner (24) throws to first base after forcing out Nebraska's Jeter Worthley (0) at second base during the fifth inning a college baseball game at Hawks Field in Lincoln on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Norris' Ray Wegner (30) and Blair's Madeline Chikos (10) dive for the loose ball during the second half of a Class B Nebraska state girls basketball tournament first round game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Amherst's Lily Vavra (2) goes up for a 3-pointer against Sutton's Jadlynn Kinney (14) during the second half of a Class D-1 Nebraska state girls basketball tournament first round game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Lincoln North Star's Korbyn Pierce (22) dives for the ball between Millard West's Londyn Whitney (3) and Kylee Millard (5) during the second half of a Class A Nebraska state girls basketball tournament semifinal game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Gretna East head coach Wade Coulter reacts after a basket against Norris during the first half of a Class B Nebraska state girls basketball tournament semifinal game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Omaha North's Himayajo Metoyer (24) walks off the court after Omaha North lost to Lincoln North Star during the Class A Nebraska state girls basketball championship game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Dundy County-Stratton celebrates defeating Wynot in the Class D2 Nebraska state girls basketball tournament semifinal game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Dundy County-Stratton celebrates a foul call late during a Class D2 Nebraska state girls basketball tournament semifinal game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Dundy County-Stratton's Emily Schack (11) and Wynot’s Kenna Oligmueller (12) fight for control of the ball during a Class D2 Nebraska state girls basketball tournament championship game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
The Malcolm bench celebrates a three-pointer during the Class C1 Nebraska state girls basketball championship game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Jacob Stacy, left, helps Ryan Herrick, 9, with his bike at Community Bike Project of Omaha in Omaha, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
West Point Guardian Angels CC's Luke Guenther (1) fouls Deshler's Peighton Henry (23) during a Class D2 Nebraska boys state basketball tournament first round game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Deshler's Hutch Vacek (24) fouls West Point Guardian Angels CC's Isaac Guenther (4) during a Class D2 Nebraska boys state basketball tournament first round game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Lincoln High's Buay Jock (15) and Omaha Westside's Donnie Barfield, Jr. (5) fight for a rebound during a Class A Nebraska boys state basketball tournament first round game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Lincoln High's Buay Jock (15) and Omaha Westside's Donnie Barfield, Jr. (5) fight for a rebound during a Class A Nebraska boys state basketball tournament first round game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Lincoln High's Buay Jock (15) and Omaha Westside's Emre Gedik (3) fight for a loose ball during a Class A Nebraska boys state basketball tournament first round game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Lincoln High's Buay Jock (15) and Omaha Westside's Emre Gedik (3) fight for a loose ball during a Class A Nebraska boys state basketball tournament first round game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Lincoln High's Buay Jock (15) and Omaha Westside's Emre Gedik (3) fight for a loose ball during a Class A Nebraska boys state basketball tournament first round game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Lincoln High's Jaxyn Cruse (0) and Omaha Westside's Emre Gedik (3) fight for a loose ball during a Class A Nebraska boys state basketball tournament first round game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Lincoln High's Jaxyn Cruse (0) and Omaha Westside's Emre Gedik (3) fight for a loose ball during a Class A Nebraska boys state basketball tournament first round game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
One of the floors under construction at the new Mutual of Omaha tower being built at 1313 Douglas St. in Omaha, on Friday, March 13, 2026.
The sun rises as a construction worker continues to build the new Mutual of Omaha tower at 1313 Douglas St.in Omaha, on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Stephen Chu, with Ennead Architects, left, and O-pa President Joan Squires walk up stairs next to Untitled (Triple Sphere) by Eva LeWitt hangs in the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement  at 1115 Dodge St, in Omaha, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Stephen Chu, with Ennead Architects, left, and O-pa President Joan Squires talk about the Mammel Foundation Hall during a tour of the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement  at 1115 Dodge St, in Omaha, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Crime scene tape still surrounds 3611 Cass St. the day after John Zak was found dead in Omaha, on Friday, March 13, 2026.
The sun rises as construction workers wait for a elevator on the 40th floor of the new Mutual of Omaha tower at 1313 Douglas St.in Omaha, on Friday, March 13, 2026.
People play basketball at Miller Park in Omaha, on Friday, March 20, 2026.
People play basketball at Miller Park in Omaha, on Friday, March 20, 2026.
People play basketball at Miller Park in Omaha, on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Omaha North players react after falling to Lincoln North Star, 51-35, in the Class A Nebraska state girls basketball championship game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Howells-Dodge's Nathan Tomcak (3) and teammates celebrate after defeating McCool Junction, 57-39, to win the Class D-1 Nebraska boys state basketball championship game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Nebraska fans walk around outside the Paycom Center prior to a NCAA men's basketball tournament first round game between Nebraska and Troy in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Nebraska's Braden Frager (5) dunks the ball during the second half of the first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament game against Troy at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Troy, 76-47, in a first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament game at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Texas A&M's Rashaun Agee (12) celebrates after a basket against Saint Mary's during the first half of the first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament game at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Visitors walk around the Oklahoma City National Memorial where the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building once stood in Oklahoma City, on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Nebraska's Berke Büyüktuncel (9) celebrates after defeating Vanderbilt to advance to the NCAA men's basketball tournament Sweet Sixteen at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Nebraska's Braden Frager (5) goes up for a layup against Vanderbilt's Devin McGlockton (99) during the second half of the second round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament game at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Frager's layup lead the Huskers to win, 74-72.
A look inside the Paycom Center as Nebraska takes on Vanderbilt during the first half of the second round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament game in Oklahoma City, on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
