AGP Executive Report

Election Day: Nebraska polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters are choosing a U.S. senator, governor, members of Congress and state lawmakers, with control of the Legislature and Congress at stake. Key Races: Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts faces independent Dan Osborn in a contest drawing unusual national attention. The open 2nd Congressional District race is also among those to watch. Ballot Questions: Voters are weighing mobile sports betting, changes to legislative term limits and rules on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports. Both sports-betting measures must pass to authorize online wagering. Local Decisions: Hall County voters will decide whether county commissioners take over the elected weed-control board’s responsibilities. Voting Conditions: Rain and strong, gusty winds are forecast across parts of Nebraska, while the Justice Department says federal monitors will be deployed in Omaha as part of its nationwide election effort.

Senate Showdown: Pete Ricketts and independent Dan Osborn made final appeals to Nebraska voters, with both promising to lower costs and focus on the farm bill. Ricketts questioned Osborn’s trustworthiness; Osborn cast himself as a worker-first alternative. Record Campaign Money: Nebraska candidates and ballot-measure campaigns have raised more than $63 million. Online sports-betting measures account for nearly $26.9 million in fundraising, largely from out-of-state backers. Former Gov. Kay Orr, State Auditor Mike Foley, Treasurer Joey Spellerberg and Ricketts withdrew their endorsements of legislative candidate Tim Anderson over his support for the measures. Turnout and Local Races: Douglas County early voting was up 17% from the same point in 2022, with in-person early votes up 141%. In the 2nd Congressional District, Democrat Denise Powell made a final push with a labor-union endorsement, while Republican Brinker Harding campaigned across the district.

Election Day: Nebraska polls open at 8 a.m. Central and close at 8 p.m.; voters in line at closing can still cast ballots. Bring an acceptable photo ID or vote provisionally and provide ID to your county election office by Nov. 10. Lancaster County expects about 52% turnout. Key races: Pete Ricketts and independent Dan Osborn face a tight U.S. Senate contest, while Gov. Jim Pillen seeks reelection against Lynne Walz and two other candidates. Nebraskans will also choose congressional, legislative and statewide officials. Ballot questions and spending: Candidates and campaigns around three statewide measures have raised more than $63 million. Online sports betting is a major draw for out-of-state donors; voters will also weigh a girls’ sports measure and legislative term limits. Utility regulators are on the ballot, putting energy costs in focus. Public accountability: Lincoln police found no criminal wrongdoing by Pillen’s office in the $2.5 million no-bid contract case, according to the attorney general.

Election Day: Nebraska candidates made their final appeals before Tuesday’s vote, with Republicans rallying around Sen. Pete Ricketts and Democrats urging turnout behind gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz. The campaigns spotlighted taxes, the economy and ballot measures on school sports and online sports betting. Senate Race: A YouGov poll put Ricketts and independent Dan Osborn even at 49% each. Fox News moved Nebraska from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican,” calling an Osborn upset possible if the GOP faces a broader swing. Second District: Republican Brinker Harding and Democrat Denise Powell spent Sunday rallying supporters and canvassing. Powell said voters raised the cost of groceries, gas, housing and health care; Harding urged voters to keep the seat Republican. State Finances: Nebraska’s projected 2028–29 budget deficit has grown to $1.2 billion, a looming challenge for state leaders after the election.

Senate Race: A late Fox News forecast shifted Nebraska from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican,” citing a possible upset by independent Dan Osborn, though incumbent Pete Ricketts remains favored. Campaign Trail: In the final weekend push, Osborn emphasized workers’ costs and paycheck-to-paycheck life, while Ricketts focused on agriculture and border security. State Budget: Nebraska’s projected 2028–29 deficit has grown to $1.2 billion, adding pressure to upcoming budget decisions. Pillen Contract Probe: Lincoln police found no criminal wrongdoing by Gov. Jim Pillen’s office in the $2.5 million no-bid contract case; the findings went to the attorney general’s office. Ballot Questions: Voters are also weighing whether to allow online sports betting and extend state legislative term limits.

Election Push: Nebraska campaigns made a final weekend door-knocking push ahead of Nov. 3, with Senate rivals Pete Ricketts and Dan Osborn emphasizing sharply different priorities: Ricketts on agriculture and border security, Osborn on workers and rising costs. The closely watched race is among the state’s most expensive. Voting Day: Rain and strong winds could complicate travel to polls, while the Justice Department plans to deploy election monitors at Omaha-area polling places. State Budget: A new forecast puts Nebraska’s projected 2028–29 deficit at about $1.2 billion, after expected revenues fell by $355 million. Contract Investigation: Lincoln police found no criminal wrongdoing in the governor’s office’s $2.5 million no-bid contract; the attorney general’s office said Gov. Jim Pillen’s office was not implicated.

State Budget: Nebraska’s projected shortfall for the 2028–29 budget has grown to about $1.2 billion after forecasters cut expected revenue by $355 million, setting up a tough debate when lawmakers return in January. Governor’s Office: Lincoln police found no criminal wrongdoing by Gov. Jim Pillen’s office in the $2.5 million no-bid contract case; the investigation has been sent to the attorney general. Election Countdown: Gov. Pillen says he’s focused on voter outreach as polls show a close race with Democrat Lynne Walz. The Senate contest between Republican Pete Ricketts and independent Dan Osborn has drawn heavy spending, including late PAC support for third-party candidates. Legislature and Voting: Just over half of the Legislature’s 49 seats are up Tuesday, with District 4 among the races that could shape the Republican majority. Federal election monitors are set to observe polling places in the Omaha area, and a storm could bring rain and strong winds to Nebraska on Election Day.

Final Election Push: Nebraska’s governor’s race is polling as a dead heat, though Gov. Jim Pillen says he is focused on turnout, not polls. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly endorsed Democrat Lynne Walz, who has called for unity on property taxes and rural economic challenges. Senate Spending: The Ricketts–Osborn contest is among Nebraska’s costliest, with more than $25 million raised by campaigns and roughly $55 million in outside spending. Newly formed PACs have also spent nearly $500,000 supporting third-party candidates, prompting claims they could siphon votes. Legislative Races: More than half of the Unicameral’s 49 seats are up Tuesday; Republicans now hold 33. Voters will also decide whether to extend senators’ term limits from two consecutive terms to three, and whether to legalize online sports betting. Contract Investigation: Lincoln police completed their probe of the governor’s office’s $2.5 million no-bid contract and sent the case to Attorney General Mike Hilgers. Hilgers said the office was not implicated in criminal wrongdoing, while State Auditor Mike Foley has questioned the contract’s emergency justification. Voting Access: Civic Nebraska is offering free Election Day rides in nine Lincoln neighborhoods, with advance requests required.

Election Countdown: Nebraska’s Senate and governor races have both shifted from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican” in Cook Political Report ratings. Sen. Pete Ricketts faces independent Dan Osborn, while the secretary of state race features a debate over limits on mail voting. Ballot Measures: Online sports betting backers have raised nearly $21.7 million for two initiatives on the Nov. 3 ballot, with major sportsbook companies funding the campaign. Pillen Contract Review: Lincoln police found no criminal wrongdoing involving the governor’s office in the $2.5 million no-bid contract case; Attorney General Mike Hilgers’ office is now independently reviewing the file. Data Center Debate: Nebraska governor candidates have weighed in on AI and data centers, as Pillen says the state’s infrastructure can handle current demand.

Senate Race: With Election Day nearing, Inside Elections shifted Nebraska’s Senate contest toward Democrats, as Pete Ricketts and independent Dan Osborn trade sharp attacks in campaign ads. Campaign Spending: Outside groups have spent more than $50 million on negative ads in the Senate and 2nd District races, including over $45 million in the Ricketts–Osborn contest. Denise Powell and Brinker Harding made their final pitches, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries campaigning for Powell and Rep. Don Bacon backing Harding. State Contract Inquiry: Lincoln police have finished investigating a $2.5 million no-bid state contract and sent the case to Attorney General Mike Hilgers’ office. The state auditor had questioned the emergency contract, which was steered by Gov. Jim Pillen. Federal Fraud Case: A Lincoln man has been indicted on charges tied to an alleged student-aid scam using stolen identities and fake online students; prosecutors say he sent proceeds to associates in Kenya. Data Centers: Pillen says Nebraska’s grid can handle current data-center demand, but says new projects should protect water and ratepayers, receive no tax incentives and contribute to their communities.

Senate Showdown: With Election Day less than a week away, Sen. Pete Ricketts is touting tax cuts and defending tariffs, while independent Dan Osborn says broad tariffs raise costs and is pressing for a stronger congressional role. Their debate has covered health care, immigration and affordability. State Races: Attorney General Mike Hilgers says his office has taken on powerful companies and governments as he seeks reelection against Jocelyn Brasher. Nebraska’s governor candidates are also sparring over property taxes, while voters will decide a measure affecting transgender youth sports. Consumer Protection: Nebraska joined the FTC and 19 other states in suing Dollar General, alleging the chain repeatedly charged shoppers more at checkout than advertised prices.**

Congressional Races: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries rallied with Democrat Denise Powell in Omaha, while Rep. Don Bacon backed Republican Brinker Harding in Nebraska’s closely watched 2nd District race. Independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn made a North Platte stop, highlighting health care costs, working families and rail safety. Statewide Contests: Nebraska voters are weighing a governor’s race shaped by property taxes and an attorney general contest between incumbent Mike Hilgers and challenger Jocelyn Brasher. Election officials are also urging confidence in the vote, with early voting hours extended in Lancaster County. Ballot Measures: Voters will decide whether to add a ban on transgender girls competing on girls’ school sports teams to Nebraska’s constitution. Child Care Policy: Sen. Stan Clouse is preparing legislation to place Head Start in state law; the federal program serves about 5,500 Nebraska children through 37 local programs. Public Power: Omaha Public Power District’s president and CEO plans to step down at year’s end.

Election Countdown: With Election Day a week away, Nebraska’s governor’s race has moved from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican” in the Cook Political Report’s latest forecast. The 1st District contest is also drawing attention: Rep. Mike Flood defends Medicaid work requirements, while challenger Chris Backemeyer says the changes make care harder to get. Ballot Watch: Nebraska voters will decide whether to bar transgender girls and women from female sports teams, an issue already addressed by state law. Election Security: Nebraska’s U.S. attorney and district attorneys have announced election-integrity plans as counties recruit poll workers and officials urge voters to check deadlines and ballot rules. State Government: Gov. Jim Pillen is seeking a federal disaster declaration for eight counties hit by September flooding, citing more than $23 million in damage to roads, schools, bridges and power systems.

Governor’s Race: Cook Political Report has shifted Nebraska’s contest from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican,” a sign of a tighter race—not a Democratic lead. Gov. Jim Pillen and his challengers also disagree on how to tackle property taxes, though all say the system needs change. Campaign Money: About one-third of the $16.2 million in itemized individual donations to Nebraska’s federal candidates came from Nebraskans, according to a KETV review of FEC data. Election Readiness: Nebraska’s U.S. Attorney’s Office says it will prioritize protecting voting rights and investigating alleged election-law violations. Counties are preparing for staffing demands, while Lancaster County has extended early-voting hours. What’s on the Ballot: Voters will decide races from U.S. Senate to school boards, along with measures on sports betting, school sports and legislative term limits. Three University of Nebraska Board of Regents seats are also up, as candidates weigh tuition, budget cuts and campus priorities. Social Media Law: Missouri has joined states urging an appeals court to let Nebraska enforce its age-verification and parental-consent law for minors’ social media accounts.

Early Voting: Lancaster County has extended in-person voting hours through Monday, Nov. 2, while Douglas County reports nearly 5,000 more in-person early votes than at the same point in 2022, despite fewer mail-ballot requests. Election Security: Douglas and Sarpy County officials say safeguards are in place to ensure votes are counted accurately, as Nebraska voters head to the polls Nov. 3. Key Races: Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District has shifted from safe Republican to likely Republican in recent ratings, putting Rep. Mike Flood’s race with Democrat Chris Backemeyer on the watch list. The Senate contest between Republican Pete Ricketts and independent Dan Osborn is also drawing national attention. State and Local Ballots: No write-in candidates filed for congressional seats, governor, the Legislature or other major statewide offices. Nebraska voters will also decide whether to legalize online sports betting. Grand Island mayoral candidates Ryan O’Neill and Jimmy Reed will take questions at a public forum Thursday.

Early Voting: Douglas County has seen nearly 5,000 more in-person early votes than at this point in 2022, while mail-ballot requests are down about 9,000. Democrats account for 47% of early votes cast, Republicans 33%, as of Oct. 23. Election Oversight: With a new secretary of state guaranteed after Bob Evnen’s primary loss, Republican Scott Petersen and Democrat Sarah Slattery differ on election security. Petersen says Nebraska’s systems have no proven problems but public confidence is a concern. Legislative Races: Property taxes are a major issue in several close contests, including the District 4 rematch in Douglas County and races in Districts 20 and 36. Ballot Measures: Nebraska voters will decide on online sports betting proposals, with opponents warning of addiction risks. Consumer Protection: Nebraska has joined the FTC and 19 other states in suing Dollar General, alleging the chain routinely charged customers more at checkout than advertised prices.