Five Candidates Will Compete in Nebraska 3rd District
Voters will choose from five nominees in the November 3, 2026, general election for the 3rd Congressional District seat.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Political Parties
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Nebraska voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to decide the future of the state's 3rd Congressional District. Five candidates have qualified for the ballot in this race, which encompasses the vast majority of Nebraska counties.
Why it matters
The outcome will determine the representative for a district covering 80 of Nebraska's 93 counties. Voters are weighing options from major parties alongside independent and third-party challengers.
The 3rd District race features 5 candidates vying for office across 80 of Nebraska's 93 counties. This represents the full field of candidates confirmed for the November 3, 2026, general election ballot.
The players
Adrian Smith
He is the Republican incumbent seeking re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Becky Stille
She is the Democratic candidate running for the congressional seat.
Macey Budke
She is the Nebraska Working People Party candidate based in North Platte.
David J. Else
He is the Legal Marijuana NOW party candidate seeking office in the district.
Mark Cohen
He is a nonpartisan candidate running for the congressional seat.
The details
The race includes incumbent Republican Adrian Smith and Democratic challenger Becky Stille. The field is rounded out by David J. Else of the Legal Marijuana NOW party, Macey Budke of the Nebraska Working People Party, and nonpartisan candidate Mark Cohen.
Timeline
November 3, 2026, is the date of the general election for Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District.
Political Context
The race follows the organizational and reporting requirements set by the Federal Election Campaign Act. Opponents of incumbent candidates frequently argue that long-standing seniority in the House necessitates a shift toward new representation to provide fresh perspectives to rural districts.
Voters living across the 80 counties in the 3rd District will see these five names on their ballots this November. The result will determine which candidate represents the district's diverse local interests in the federal legislature for the coming term.
The takeaway
Voters should review the candidate list to understand the diverse options available for the district's representation. Evaluating party platforms and independent positions will be essential for informed participation on election day.
Further reading
For more information on state ballot structures, visit Political Parties.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KETV.
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