Nebraska Voters Will Elect Three Regents in November 2026
Three seats on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents will be decided in the upcoming November 2026 election.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Higher Education
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Three vacancies on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents will be filled by voters in November 2026. The election includes a special contest for the District 4 seat following a resignation.
Why it matters
Candidates are centering their campaigns on addressing university affordability and student recruitment amidst a projected state budget deficit. The board remains responsible for overseeing system-wide financial decisions and campus management.
The university board previously approved a 4.25% tuition hike for the current academic year and requested a 4.25% annual budget increase from the state for the next two years. Additionally, the board recently moved to eliminate four departments at UNL.
The players
Tim Clare
He is concluding his 18-year tenure representing District 1 on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
Jack Stark
He is stepping down from the District 2 seat after six years on the board.
Elizabeth O'Connor
The former regent resigned in January 2026 and was subsequently sentenced to one year in jail for a DUI incident.
The details
The upcoming election follows the resignation of Elizabeth O'Connor from the District 4 seat in January 2026, while incumbents Tim Clare and Jack Stark are departing after 18 and six years of service, respectively. The nonpartisan board manages the Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha, and Medical Center campuses.
Timeline
May 2025: Elizabeth O'Connor caused a vehicle crash.
January 2026: Elizabeth O'Connor resigned from the board.
August 2026: Elizabeth O'Connor was sentenced to one year in jail.
November 2026: Three Board of Regents seats are up for election.
Culture Shift
Public interest in university governance is growing as the board faces the Nebraska state budget deficit projections. This election marks a shift toward greater scrutiny of institutional spending and the sustainability of tuition models.
Residents should monitor how potential regents plan to handle the approved 4.25% budget increase and future tuition adjustments. These decisions directly affect the cost of attendance for students across the Kearney, Lincoln, and Omaha campuses.
The takeaway
Voters will play a crucial role in shaping the financial strategy of the university system during a period of fiscal tightening. Understanding the candidates stance on tuition and departmental cuts is essential for taxpayers and student families alike.
What happens next
The general election for the three Board of Regents seats will take place in November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest updates in Higher Education throughout the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nebraska Public Media.
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