Nebraska Secretary of State Loses Reelection Bid

In a significant political upset, Omaha businessman Scott Petersen defeated incumbent Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen in the Republican primary election held on May 13, 2026. Petersen secured victory with 55% of the vote, surpassing Evnen's 45%. The outcome marked a notable challenge to Evnen's tenure, as he was seeking a third term in office.

The 2026 Republican primary for Nebraska Secretary of State featured a contest between Petersen and Evnen, with Petersen largely criticizing Evnen's management of the state's election systems, particularly concerning vote counting processes. Evnen, who had won his 2022 Republican primary with 40% of the vote before running unopposed in the general election, had characterized Nebraska's election system as the "gold standard" throughout his campaign. However, Petersen's campaign focused on these criticisms, resonating with a segment of the electorate.

In the Democratic primary, Sarah Slattery secured a decisive victory with 92% of the vote, defeating Lee Cimfel. Slattery, a chef and small-business owner, has been politically active, previously running for the Nebraska Legislature in 2022 and serving on local boards. She has been critical of Evnen's actions, including the release of voter data to the federal government and attempts to disqualify petition signatures, stating that public trust in the office is at an all-time low.

The incumbent, Bob Evnen, was first elected Secretary of State in 2018 and began his first term on January 10, 2019. He was re-elected in 2022 without opposition in the general election, having won a contested Republican primary. The office of Secretary of State in Nebraska is responsible for administering elections, overseeing business services, managing records, and licensing. Historically, the 2022 election saw Evnen run unopposed in the general election after no Democratic candidates filed against him.

With Petersen's victory in the Republican primary, he is positioned as the likely favorite in the fall general election, given Nebraska's status as a predominantly Republican state. The general election will determine who will serve as Nebraska's next Secretary of State, overseeing critical functions related to elections and state business.