Minor Parties Nominate Nebraska Secretary of State Hopefuls
The America First and Nebraska Working People parties have fielded candidates to compete for the secretary of state seat.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Political Parties
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The Nebraska Working People Party and the America First Party have officially nominated candidates for secretary of state after successfully securing party status. These nominations introduce new options for voters alongside the Republican candidate, Scott Petersen, and Democratic candidate, Sarah Slattery.
Why it matters
The introduction of these third-party candidates highlights the political activity of nonpartisan voters who now represent a significant portion of the electorate. With candidates now on the ballot, these parties aim to influence the outcome of the secretary of state race beyond the state's largest cities.
Official state data shows 25% of Nebraska's registered voters are nonpartisan, a figure current as of October 2026. The candidates secured their spots on the ballot after winning legal challenges to establish party recognition.
The players
Bob Krist
He is a former Nebraska state senator who served in the legislature for ten years.
Paul Rumbaugh
He currently serves as a project manager for the Douglas County District Court.
Scott Petersen
He is the Republican Party candidate running for the office of secretary of state.
Sarah Slattery
She is the Democratic Party candidate seeking the secretary of state position.
The details
Bob Krist, a former state senator, represents the America First Party, while Paul Rumbaugh, a district court project manager, represents the Nebraska Working People Party. Both candidates were nominated without primaries as their respective organizations gained formal party status.
Timeline
Bob Krist served as a state senator from 2009 to 2019.
Paul Rumbaugh left the Republican Party in 2010.
Bob Krist became a nonpartisan in 2017.
Paul Rumbaugh began working as a project manager for the Douglas County District Court in 2023.
As of October 2026, a quarter of Nebraska voters are registered as nonpartisan.
Political Context
These nominations follow the successful navigation of Nebraska state ballot access statutes, which dictate the requirements for minor parties to gain official recognition. This process provides a mechanism for voters to support alternative candidates outside the established two-party system.
The entry of these candidates expands the ballot for the upcoming secretary of state race, impacting how voters in both urban and rural areas weigh their choices. Residents in regions outside Omaha and Lincoln may see increased campaign activity as these parties focus on grassroots outreach.
The takeaway
The rise of alternative party candidates emphasizes the increasing relevance of nonpartisan voters in state-level elections. Voters should monitor how these candidates approach issues in areas outside the major metropolitan hubs to understand their full platform.
Further reading
For more information on the local political environment, visit the Nebraska Political Parties section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KETV.
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