Mark Cohen to Run for Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District
Air Force veteran Mark Cohen is launching an independent bid in the 80-county district for the November 3, 2026 election.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Political Parties
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U.S. Air Force veteran Mark Cohen has announced his independent candidacy for Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District ahead of the November 3, 2026 midterm election. He enters the race as an alternative to the major party candidates, aiming to focus on economic wealth issues.
Why it matters
Cohen states that he is running because he believes the existing two-party system no longer aligns with his values. He advocates for building consensus through subject matter experts to tackle systemic economic issues rather than partisan politics.
The district spans 80 counties, and Cohen is entering a race where the incumbent has held the seat since 2007. More than 700 U.S. military veterans are running for local, statewide, and federal office across the country in 2026.
The players
Mark Cohen
He is a U.S. Air Force veteran and former Judge Advocate General officer who is running as an independent candidate.
Adrian Smith
He has served as the incumbent representative for Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District since 2007.
Becky Lynn Stille
She is the Democratic candidate running for the congressional seat in Nebraska's 3rd District.
The details
Cohen is a former Judge Advocate General officer who formed an exploratory committee in August 2025 before making his official announcement in November 2025. He is campaigning without support from the Republican or Democratic parties and faces incumbent Adrian Smith and Democratic candidate Becky Lynn Stille.
Timeline
Adrian Smith began serving as the district representative in 2007.
Cohen formed an exploratory committee in August 2025.
Cohen officially announced his campaign in November 2025.
The midterm election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
This campaign follows the broader 2026 veteran candidate cycle, which sees over 700 military veterans seeking office across the country. Opposition to the two-party system is a central pillar of independent challenges, often countered by major parties emphasizing the necessity of party infrastructure for legislative success.
Voters in the 80-county district will see a third name on the ballot, potentially altering the traditional two-party dynamic in the upcoming election. Residents will decide between an established incumbent and challengers representing different approaches to national economic policy.
The takeaway
Independent candidacies often serve as a platform for alternative policy debates that may influence the platforms of major party candidates. Voters are encouraged to review the specific policy proposals of all candidates to understand how individual platforms address regional economic concerns.
What happens next
The midterm election for the 3rd Congressional District seat is set for November 3, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the local field of candidates in the Nebraska Political Parties section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Military.
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