Four Candidates Will Compete for Nebraska's 1st District
The race for the congressional seat will feature four candidates vying for voters in the upcoming November election.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Political Parties
Live Poll
Do you plan to vote based on a candidate's legislative experience or their platform for change?
Nebraska voters will head to the polls this November to decide the outcome of the 1st Congressional District race. Four candidates are currently competing for the seat in a contest centered on national direction and affordability.
Why it matters
The race is a key test of voter sentiment regarding current federal policies and government leadership. Challengers are looking to address concerns ranging from health care access to shifting international alliances.
Incumbent Republican Mike Flood won his 2024 reelection by 20 percentage points. The district currently holds a ranking of ninth in total federal dollars brought back to Nebraska.
The players
Mike Flood
He is the incumbent Republican representative for Nebraska's 1st Congressional District and former speaker of the Nebraska Legislature.
Chris Backemeyer
He is the Democratic candidate challenging for the 1st Congressional District seat.
Dan Hartong
He is a candidate for the 1st Congressional District seat running with the America First Party.
Nik Sandman
He is a candidate for the 1st Congressional District seat running with the Libertarian Party.
The details
Incumbent representative Mike Flood, who previously served as speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, is highlighting his legislative record and role as chair of the Republican Main Street Caucus. Democratic challenger Chris Backemeyer, along with America First Party candidate Dan Hartong and Libertarian Party candidate Nik Sandman, are criticizing existing government policies to offer voters an alternative.
Timeline
Mike Flood has served as the 1st Congressional District representative since 2022.
Mike Flood secured reelection to his seat in 2024.
The electoral contest for the seat concludes in November 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of the incumbent often argue that current legislative priorities fail to adequately address the needs of average working families. Dissenting voices within the district frequently push for a pivot away from the Republican Main Street Caucus agenda to focus on alternative economic strategies.
The outcome of this election will directly dictate who represents the district's interests in federal budget negotiations and policy-making. Citizens will see the results of these platforms reflected in future federal funding allocations and legislative priorities for the state.
The takeaway
Voters should review the specific platforms of all four candidates to understand how different approaches to affordability might impact their household finances. Understanding the incumbent's legislative track record compared to the proposed changes from challengers is essential for an informed ballot choice.
Further reading
Find more information on local races by visiting the Political Parties section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KETV.
Live Poll
Do you plan to vote based on a candidate's legislative experience or their platform for change?
