Hike and Pflager Will Face Bellevue Mayoral Vote
Incumbent Mayor Rusty Hike and challenger Kevin Pflager are set to compete in the November 3 mayoral election.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in City Hall
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Bellevue voters will head to the polls on November 3 to decide between incumbent Mayor Rusty Hike and his challenger, Kevin Pflager. This upcoming election offers residents a choice between continuing current municipal development projects or shifting the citys direction.
Why it matters
The outcome will determine the future of significant local projects such as the Bellevue Bay waterpark and the REACH initiative. Voters must decide if they prefer the current trajectory championed by Mayor Hike or the administrative changes proposed by Pflager.
The Bellevue Police Department has grown to 115 officers, up from 82 in the past. Additionally, candidate Kevin Pflager has proposed new term limits of 12 years for city council members and 8 years for the office of mayor.
The players
Rusty Hike
He is the incumbent mayor of Bellevue currently seeking a third term in office.
Kevin Pflager
He is a mayoral candidate who currently works for the planning department in Papillion.
The details
Mayor Rusty Hike is seeking a third term and is actively campaigning via mail to reach early voters, while Kevin Pflager, a planning department employee in Papillion, has campaigned on lowering property taxes by increasing sales tax revenue. The city has also recently transitioned its fire department from a part-time and volunteer model to a fully established professional force.
Timeline
The mayoral election will take place on November 3.
Political Context
This election represents a pivotal moment for the Bellevue REACH project, as the candidates offer divergent visions for the citys development. While supporters of the incumbent emphasize the progress made on these projects, critics argue for a structural shift in governance and fiscal policy.
The results of this election will directly impact local tax structures and the speed of ongoing infrastructure projects like the Bellevue Bay waterpark. Residents should consider how the proposed tax shifts and term limit proposals might affect their household budgets and local governance.
The takeaway
Voters should review the specific proposals regarding property and sales tax adjustments before casting their ballots. Evaluating the long-term impact of current development projects is essential for understanding the two different paths being presented to the city.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming local election, visit City Hall.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KETV.
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