2026 Nebraska gubernatorial election

For related races, see 2026 United States gubernatorial elections.

The 2026 Nebraska gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Nebraska. Incumbent Republican Governor Jim Pillen is seeking a second term.

2026 Nebraska gubernatorial election

← 2022 November 3, 2026 2030 →

Party Republican Democratic

Incumbent Governor Jim Pillen Republican

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

• Jim Pillen, incumbent governor (2023–present)^[1]
  • Running mate: Joe Kelly, incumbent lieutenant governor (2023–present)^[1]
• Jacy Todd, CBD retail store owner^[2]

Publicly expressed interest

• Charles Herbster, agribusiness executive and candidate for governor in 2014 and 2022^[1]

Declined

• Don Bacon, U.S. representative from Nebraska's 2nd congressional district (2017–present)^[3]

Independents

Declined

• Dan Osborn, former president of BCTGM International Union Local 50G and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2024 (Running for U.S. Senate)^[4]

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report[5]	Solid R	January 23, 2025
Inside Elections[6]	Solid R	February 6, 2025
Sabato's Crystal Ball[7]	Safe R	May 1, 2025
Race to the WH[8]	Safe R	June 30, 2025

See also

• 2026 United States gubernatorial elections