1. United States
2. Neb.
3. Letter

Omaha Mayor Stothert's loss to John Ewing Jr. on Tuesday is  a signal that Trump’s version of the GOP is losing ground in Nebraska. While Gov. Pillen insists that the “blue dot” wasn’t a factor in Tuesday’s result, I contend that the current mood on the national stage is seeping into Nebraska politics. And this mood will certainly impact the November 2026 midterms. For Nebraskans, it’s starting to be too much. The laundry list of negativity is overwhelming: The GOP’s proposed cuts to Medicaid, their silent support for Elon Musk and DOGE’s widespread damage, their silence about attacks on Social Security, their silence about questionable ethics around accepting a luxury aircraft. The GOP ignoring Trump’s reticence to uphold the Constitution, due process, and habeas corpus. The party’s support for Trump’s haphazard handling of the economy, as well as his tariffs and dismantling of important federal agencies...they’re all factoring into local and state politics. As Gov. Pillen said: "Elections matter. Leadership matters. Conservative leadership matters. I hope that all of us can take a bite into that apple and make sure we don't forget, and make sure that we play a role." I can’t agree more. Elections do matter and leadership does matter. Nebraska might lean right, but there’s a tipping point. After all, we all want our kids to be educated, our grandparents to be taken care of, our neighbors to be well-fed, our veterans to be supported, our immigrant communities to feel safe. In fact, we want everyone to feel safe – our black and brown neighbors, our trans neighbors, our gay neighbors, our disabled neighbors, our students and friends and coworkers. After all, they’re Nebraskans, too. This constant attack on our Constitution, our social services, our arts programs. This dismantling of agencies that oversee food safety and education and consumer protections. The implementation of Project 2025. The arrests of judges and mayors and students. The suspension of due process and medical research and judicial oversight. It all affects Nebraskans. It impacts all of us…and we’re growing impatient. In the face of Tuesday’s historic upset, I encourage you to consider this a turning point. I encourage you to consider Gov. Pillen’s words: “make sure we don't forget, and make sure that we play a role.” Here’s your chance to make sure you play a role in protecting Nebraskans - who you represent - and not just the Trump agenda.