The decision for Douglas County voters choosing a sheriff on Nov. 3 could hinge on the two candidates’ split over how extensively the county's deputies should operate within the city limits of Omaha and how closely the agency should work with federal immigration agents.
Republican Sheriff Aaron Hanson, seeking a second term, says his specialized units make Douglas County safer.
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Mark Martinez, a Democrat, retired Omaha deputy police chief and former U.S. marshal, said he would review the office's operation inside Omaha.
Mark Martinez, Democrat candidate for Douglas County Sheriff, talks with The World-Herald about his campaign at his South Omaha home Tuesday. Martinez criticized Hanson's budget management.
Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson speaks during a press conference at the Omaha Police Officers Association Hall on Oct. 1, 2024. Hanson said his office has never gone over budget.
Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of October 2026
People wait for U.S. President Donald Trump to speak during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Kwazi Gilmer (3) celebrates a touchdown reception during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.
Nebraska runs out onto the field before the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.
An umbrella lies in the street as heavy rains caused flooding in Omaha, on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.
Flooding is see at Fun Plex near 70th and Q Street as heavy rains caused flooding in Omaha, on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.
An abandoned car in the wrong lane on 50th Street north of Grover Street as heavy rains caused flooding in Omaha, on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.
Cars are abandoned on Q Street near 66th Street as heavy rains caused flooding in Omaha, on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.
Omaha fire and police were on the scene of an apparent crash that brought down the sign on southbound I480 just north of the Vinton Street bridge in Omaha, on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. The southbound lanes were closed.
Omaha fire and police were on the scene of an apparent crash that brought down the sign on southbound I480 just north of the Vinton Street bridge in Omaha, on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. The southbound lanes were closed.
Wahoo Neuman's Henry Woita (5) tries to tackle Yutan's Nathan Daniell (4) during a high school football game at Wahoo Neuman in Wahoo, on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.
Workers go up the stairs to hand out red balloons prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Indiana Hoosiers in Lincoln, on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026.
A fan puts on a red foam cowboy hat as people make their way to their seats prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Indiana Hoosiers in Lincoln, on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026.
U.S. President Donald Trump wraps up his appearance at a campaign event for U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Jones Jr. (5) holds his child, Uziah, prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Maryland Terrapins in Lincoln, on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.
Nebraska's Kwazi Gilmer (3) catches a pass in the end zone to score a touchdown against Maryland's Messiah Delhomme (33) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) celebrates after a first down against Maryland during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.
Nebraska's Shelby Southard (46) fails to catch the ball as Omaha's Haley Wilwerding (8) slides into second base during the seventh inning of a college softball game at Bowlin Stadium in Lincoln, on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Papillion-La Vista South's Makenna Sanders (16) and teammates celebrate after sweeping Elkhorn North in Papillion on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts speaks during a campaign event at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park in Grand Island on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
Fans watch on Fox Big Noon Kickoff show broadcasts from University of Nebraska-Lincoln's campus prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Indiana Hoosiers in Lincoln, on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule walks off the field after the Hoosiers defeated the Huskers, 20-17, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026.
Nebraska's Nyziah Hunter (1) scores a touchdown as Nebraska's Kwazi Gilmer (3) blocks Indiana's Jamari Sharpe (22) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026.
