The voters spoke Tuesday on Primary Election Day and advanced a strong slate of Democrat candidates for the 2018 General Election.
“The Nebraska Democratic Party put forth one of its strongest group of candidates in recent memory,” said NDP Chair Jane Kleeb. “All of the Democratic candidates are standing with hard-working families to grow the good life for all Nebraskans, not just the select few at the top. Nebraskans care about Medicaid expansion, fully funding our schools and protecting our family farmers and ranchers while putting a check on the reckless Trump and Ricketts administrations.”
“Gov. Ricketts attempted to buy the legislative seats and the voters rejected his overreach into democracy.” Chair Jane Kleeb said in reference to Joe Murray in LD30, Al Riskowski in LD32 and Shane Greckel in LD40.
The Democratic base, and Independents joining us, are energized and ready to end the current one-party stranglehold on our state and nation.
- More than 31,000 voters requested Democratic vote-by-mail ballots. That’s an increase of 73 percent from 2014 — the last midterm election that had a U.S. Senate seat in play and a race for governor.
The GOP, by comparison, has seen just a 14 percent increase from 2014.
In addition, some 8,400 people have requested non-partisan ballots, compared to about 5,000 in 2014 — a 68 percent increase. That is important because the Nebraska Democratic Party has allowed non-partisan voters to request a Democratic ballot since 2014, which allows them to vote in all statewide and federal races. The GOP does not allow non-partisans to vote on the Republican ballot.
Democratic Winners:
U.S. Senate: Jane Raybould
Lincoln City Council President Jane Raybould will face Sen. Deb Fischer in November.
“I will always put Nebraska first and I thank the Democrats and Independents for seeing that fight in me,” Jane Raybould said. “Over the next six months, we’re going to show Nebraskans that they have a choice — someone who will fight for our state, not corporations and special interest campaign contributors, or a party-loyalist who votes with her political bosses 98% of the time.”
Said state Democratic Chair Jane Kleeb: “This has become one of the top ‘sleeper’ races in the nation. Raybould has figured out how to bridge the urban-rural divide and is bringing farmers back to the Democratic Party.”
Congress, 1st District: Jessica McClure
Jessica McClure will face Rep. Jeff Fortenberry in November.
“I’m thrilled we won the Democratic nomination thanks to our dedicated team, but the hard work is really just starting. To Jeff Fortenberry, I’d like to tell you that your policies aren’t working for my family, friends, and neighbors. You ignored our phone calls and letters. You wouldn’t listen. Nebraskans need better health care coverage, and they need the consumer protections offered by the ACA. Our team will work tirelessly to take your seat this November, so we may bring a more inclusive set of Nebraska values to Washington DC.” Jessica McClure said.
Congress, 2nd District: Kara Eastman
Kara Eastman, a children’s health non-profit executive, will face Rep. Bacon in November.
“I chose to run because of my mother and her fight against cancer.” Eastman said. “When I win in November, I will be the first woman ever to be elected to Congress in Nebraska and I will be ready to represent the values we are sorely lacking in our government today – the same values my mother taught me.”
Congress, 3rd District: Paul Theobald
Paul Theobald, a farmer if Pierce County, was unopposed in the race. He will face Rep. Adrian Smith in November.
“I’m excited about moving this campaign to the next stage, as there’s a clear difference between a candidate who will represent Nebraskans, like myself, and one who continues to ignore his own constituents to appease out of state corporate shareholders,” Theobald said. “We deserve better.”
Governor: Bob Krist and Lynne Walz
State Sen. Bob Krist and Lynne Walz will face Gov. Pete Ricketts and Lt. Gov. Mike Foley in November.
“These four principles will be the hallmark of the Krist-Walz administration,” Krist said. “Tax reform; investing in education; making government work for the people, not against them; and restoring civility and non-partisanship to the way we govern. We will stop the slide toward mediocrity that Wall Street Pete Ricketts seems determined to achieve and will restore Nebraska’s future and ensure that our brightest days have yet to come.”
Secretary of State: Spencer Danner
Spencer Danner of Omaha will face Bob Evnen in November.
“2018 is a critical year for Nebraska and the choices are clear. Do we want modern and secure elections or a system that disenfranchises voters? Do we want to promote Nebraska as a partner in the global economy or get embroiled in trade wars? Do we want a justice system that serves public safety and fairness or one that perpetuates inequality and bias? The Secretary of State may be the most important, least understood office in the state. I look forward to the General Election season and the opportunity to Energize Nebraska.” Spencer Danner said.
Auditor: Jane Skinner
Jane Skinner of Omaha will face Charlie Janssen in November.
“I’m excited to hit the ground running, to get around the state and share the message of what a truly independent, transparent auditor can do for Nebraska.” Skinner said.
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