This is an election year, which means before long, we will likely be inundated with campaign ads. While we do not elect a president in 2026, there are a large number of seats and important issues on the national, state, and local levels that voters will be casting ballots for. That will begin with the primary election on May 12.

February 17 was the last day for incumbents - those who are current office holders - to file for office on the primary ballot. The last day for non-incumbents to file and be placed on the primary ballot is March 2.

There are currently eight candidates who have filed for the office of Governor of Nebraska. Challenging our current Gov. Jim Pillen will be Sheila Korth-Focken of Long Pine, Gary L. Rogge of Auburn, Jacy Todd of York, Lynne Walz of Fremont, Larry Marvin of Fremont, Rick Beard of Omaha, and James Charvat of Valley.

Bob Evnen has filed for re-election as Nebraska’s Secretary of State. He will be challenged by Scott Peterson of Omaha, Lee Cimfel of Lincoln, and Sarah Slattery of Plattsmouth.

For the State Board of Education, current District 7 representative Elizabeth Tegtmeier will seek another term. No challengers had filed for the District 7 seat as of press time.

Following the redistricting that was done for the State Legislature a couple of years ago, Custer County is now in the 43rd district which is not up for re-election until 2028.

There are a number of seats on the county and local levels that will be decided at the polls this year as well. We will take a closer look at those in the March 10 issue of the Courier, following the filing deadline for candidates.

Other deadlines of note include March 20, which is the last day for the Secretary of State to certify candidates, offices and issues to be placed on the statewide ballot.