2026 Catholic Voter Guide

Nebraska

Where the candidates stand on the issues Pope Leo XIV has raised, in their own words and votes. Every position links to its source.

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Any voter may vote early: in person at the county election office through Monday, Nov. 2, or by mail; early ballots must arrive by the close of polls on Election Day. Photo ID is required to vote. Official source ↗

How to use this guide. For each race, open an issue to see what Pope Leo XIV has taught and what each candidate has said or done, side by side. Where a candidate has served in office, we add their recorded votes on the same key bills for everyone in that chamber, linked to the official roll call. We summarize; we do not score or endorse. Candidates are listed alphabetically. Where we could not find a public position, we say so. Click any bracketed source to read it yourself. New to Catholic voting principles? Start with our national guide to Faithful Citizenship.
Nebraska · 2026

U.S. Senate

Ricketts seeks a full term against independent Dan Osborn; no Democratic nominee (the state party backs Osborn). October 2026 polls ranged from Osborn +1 to Ricketts +5.

Download printable PDF ↓
Dan Osborn
Independent · Challenger
Navy veteran, steamfitter and former union local president who led the 2021 Kellogg’s strike; 2024 independent Senate candidate.
Campaign website ↗
Pete Ricketts
Republican · Incumbent
U.S. Senator since 2023; governor of Nebraska 2015–2023 and former TD Ameritrade executive.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Dan Osborn
Calls for “ending the war in Iran and cutting off aid to Israel until they end their aggression against Gaza”; says no U.S.-made weapon should be used on a school or hospital.
[1] Osborn: Protect the Good Life
Pete Ricketts
Said Iran’s leaders “would certainly use” nuclear weapons and opposed Sen. Tim Kaine’s Iran war powers resolution, saying Kaine “is trying to limit the president’s ability to protect us.”
[1] 10/11 Now: Ricketts on Iran: ‘Up to the president to decide’
Voting record
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Dan Osborn
Former union president who says AI data centers are raising utility bills and companies are cutting jobs because of AI; wants guardrails on data centers and their water use, and more accessible trade schools and apprenticeships.
[1] Osborn: Protect Our Paychecks[2] Osborn: Protect the Good Life
Pete Ricketts
No public position found.
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Dan Osborn
Criticizes Ricketts’s vote for the 2025 law’s Medicaid cuts; supports protecting Medicaid home-care waivers, Medicaid drug-price negotiation, no cuts to Social Security or Medicare, and a middle-class tax cut.
[1] Osborn: Protect Our Paychecks, Social Security and Healthcare
Pete Ricketts
Voted for the 2025 reconciliation law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act), including its Medicaid and SNAP changes.
[1] Senate Roll Call Vote 372 (2025): H.R. 1 passage
Voting record
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Dan Osborn
Says he is “personally pro-life” but that government should not make health decisions for people; his campaign has said he would support restoring Roe-era protections.
[1] Osborn: Defend Our Freedoms and the Constitution[2] Semafor: Union leader Dan Osborn looks for a Nebraska upset
Pete Ricketts
Says “life begins at conception” and in 2022 opposed exceptions for rape and incest: “they’re still babies too.”
[1] Newsweek: Ricketts vows total abortion ban if Roe overturned
Voting record
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Dan Osborn
No public position found.
Pete Ricketts
Supports capital punishment. As governor he vetoed the Legislature’s 2015 repeal (overridden) and helped fund the 2016 referendum that restored it; Nebraska carried out an execution in 2018 during his tenure.
[1] Wikipedia: Pete Ricketts (death penalty)
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Dan Osborn
Calls for “meaningful immigration reform,” more immigration lawyers and judges, a streamlined process and vetting; supported the 2024 bipartisan border bill’s 1,500 additional border agents.
[1] Semafor: Union leader Dan Osborn looks for a Nebraska upset
Pete Ricketts
Voted for the Laken Riley Act (January 2025), requiring detention of migrants charged with theft-related crimes; endorsed by the National Border Patrol Council.
[1] Senate Roll Call Vote 7 (2025): Laken Riley Act[2] Chadron Radio: Border Patrol Council endorses Ricketts
Voting record
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Dan Osborn
No public position found.
Pete Ricketts
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Voting record
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Dan Osborn
Calls for protecting the Ogallala Aquifer from data-center water demands and supports year-round E15 as an alternative market for farmers.
[1] Osborn: Protect the Good Life[2] Osborn: Fight Like Hell for Rural Nebraska
Pete Ricketts
As governor opposed the Clean Power Plan and supported the Keystone XL pipeline; has opposed Biden-era vehicle-emissions regulations and expansion of the Waters of the U.S. rule.
[1] Wikipedia: Pete Ricketts (environment)
Voting record
Nebraska · 2026

Governor

Pillen seeks a second term; rated Solid Republican. Lindstrom was disqualified as a nonpartisan and refiled under the America First Party; he polled 5–7% in October 2026 National Public Affairs surveys.

Download printable PDF ↓
Brett Lindstrom
America First Party · Challenger
Former Republican state senator from Omaha (2015–2023) and financial adviser; 2022 GOP candidate for governor.
Jim Pillen
Republican · Incumbent
Governor since 2023; veterinarian, hog producer and former University of Nebraska regent.
Campaign website ↗
Lynne Walz
Democrat · Challenger
Former state senator from Fremont (2017–2025); former teacher, realtor and nonprofit worker.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Brett Lindstrom
No public position found.
Jim Pillen
No public position found.
Lynne Walz
No public position found.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Brett Lindstrom
Lists artificial intelligence among the issues in his “Nebraska Doctrine” platform; no detailed position found.
[1] Nebraska Examiner: Lindstrom selects America First Party
Jim Pillen
Proposes eliminating tax incentives for “Big Tech data centers” and expanding community colleges and workforce housing.
[1] Pillen Playbook 2.0 (PDF)
Record in office
Lynne Walz
No public position found.
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Brett Lindstrom
His “Nebraska Doctrine” platform focuses on property taxes and valuations, housing and economic development; says Pillen has pushed the state “to the brink of a fiscal crisis.”
[1] Nebraska Examiner: Lindstrom selects America First Party
Record in office
Jim Pillen
Platform calls for property tax reform, cutting spending, eliminating state benefits for people here illegally and stopping hedge funds from buying homes.
[1] Pillen Playbook 2.0 (PDF)
Lynne Walz
Says property taxes are “too high” and relief should target working families, and that housing, child care, health care and groceries are too expensive.
[1] Walz campaign priorities
Record in office
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Brett Lindstrom
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Jim Pillen
His 2026 platform pledges to “protect life.”
[1] Pillen Playbook 2.0 (PDF)
Record in office
Lynne Walz
Says “our elected leaders should not be telling people how to live their lives”; her campaign site does not address abortion directly.
[1] Walz campaign priorities
Record in office
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Brett Lindstrom
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Jim Pillen
No public position found.
Lynne Walz
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Brett Lindstrom
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Jim Pillen
Directed the State Patrol to partner with ICE and opened the “Cornhusker Clink” detention site, which he said is for criminals, not hardworking families; has said he is “100 percent opposed” to mass deportation.
[1] Flatwater Free Press: Pillen backs ICE crackdown[2] AP: Nebraska announces ‘Cornhusker Clink’
Lynne Walz
No public position found.
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Brett Lindstrom
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Jim Pillen
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Lynne Walz
Lists school vouchers among issues Nebraskans have voted on and says, “When the voters speak, our job as representatives is to listen.”
[1] Ballotpedia: Lynne Walz
Record in office
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Brett Lindstrom
Includes public power among his platform issues; no detailed environmental position found.
[1] Nebraska Examiner: Lindstrom selects America First Party
Record in office
Jim Pillen
Platform pledges to protect the aquifer, eliminate toxins in water and food, and protect public power ratepayers.
[1] Pillen Playbook 2.0 (PDF)
Lynne Walz
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Nebraska · 2026

U.S. House, District 2

Open seat (Don Bacon retiring). Rated Lean or Tilt Democratic by major forecasters (July 2026).

Download printable PDF ↓
Brinker Harding
Republican · Open seat
Omaha City Council member since 2017; former chief of staff and economic development director to Omaha Mayor Hal Daub; business leader.
Campaign website ↗
Denise Powell
Democrat · Open seat
Small business owner and former corporate executive; founded an organization that has supported hundreds of Nebraskans running for local office.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Brinker Harding
No public position found.
Denise Powell
Calls for congressional oversight of military actions and investment to counter China and Russia while rebuilding alliances.
[1] Powell campaign priorities
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Brinker Harding
No public position found.
Denise Powell
Calls for “more guardrails and regulation of artificial intelligence” to protect American jobs, plus job training and apprenticeships.
[1] Powell campaign priorities
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Brinker Harding
Pledges to protect Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare for single mothers, veterans, the elderly and disabled — “NOT illegal immigrants or able-bodied adults” — and to lower drug prices.
[1] Harding campaign vision
Denise Powell
Supports building on the ACA, a Medicare-like public option, $35 insulin for everyone, and restoring a $3,600 permanent Child Tax Credit.
[1] Powell campaign priorities
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Brinker Harding
Supports making health care, “including IVF,” more accessible and affordable. No public position found on abortion.
[1] Harding campaign vision
Denise Powell
Would fight to restore Roe v. Wade nationwide and supports the Right to Contraception Act and the Right to IVF Act.
[1] Powell campaign priorities
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Brinker Harding
No public position found.
Denise Powell
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Brinker Harding
Wants to “finish the wall,” deport immigrants here illegally who commit violent crimes, and require body cameras and identifiable uniforms for ICE agents.
[1] Harding campaign vision[2] Nebraska Examiner: Harding enters 2nd District race
Denise Powell
Supports border security funding and a path to citizenship for long-term immigrants and Dreamers; calls for accountability for “abuses of power” by DHS and ICE.
[1] Powell campaign priorities
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Brinker Harding
No public position found.
Denise Powell
No public position found.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Brinker Harding
Supports year-round E15 to lower gas prices and support Nebraska agriculture.
[1] Harding campaign vision
Denise Powell
Supports expanding clean energy production to lower costs and protect the environment.
[1] Powell campaign priorities
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