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The filing deadline for the May 12 primary has passed, and the statewide races are beginning to take shape.
Five candidates are running to be the Republican nominee for U.S. Senator. Incumbent Pete Ricketts of Omaha will face challenges from Eric Mortimore of Kearney, Todd Knobel of Lincoln, Mac Stevens of Bushnell and Debb Axtell Schultz of Grand Island.
Two Democrats — William J. Forbes of Paxton and Cindy Burbank of Omaha — are vying to be their party’s nominee for U.S. Senator.
Incumbent Adrian Smith of Gering faces a challenge from David P. Huebner of North Platte to be the Republican nominee for District 3 in the Congress. Democrat candidate Becky Kelly Stille of South Sioux City and Legal Marijuana NOW candidate David J. Else of Overton are running unopposed.
The governor’s race will be one to watch. Republican incumbent Jim Pillen of Columbus has five challenges: Sheila J. Korth-Focken of Long Pine, Gary L. Rogge of Auburn, Jacy Todd of York, Sal Holguin of Omaha and John Walz of Hastings.
Two Democrats candidates — Lynne Walz and Larry Marvin, both of Fremont — two Legal Marijuana NOW candidates — Rick Beard of Omaha and James J. Charvat of Valley — are seeking their party’s nominations.
Incumbent Bob Evnen of Lincoln faces a challenge from Scott Petersen of Omaha for the Republican nomination for Secretary of State. Lee M. Cimfel of Lincoln and Sarah J. Slattery of Plattsmouth are running to be the Democratic nominee.
Republican Joey Spellerberg of Fremont and Democrat Daniel Ebers of Lincoln are running unopposed in the primary to be nominees for State Treasurer.
State Senator Loren Lippincott of Central City faces a challenge for District 34. Arron Kowalski of Grand Island and Ben Blodgett of Central City also entered the race.