Christopher Backemeyer
Won the May 12, 2026 Democratic primary
Christopher Backemeyer is a fifth-generation Nebraskan who spent more than two decades in national-security and foreign-policy roles at the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and the Office of the Vice President. He is running on lowering costs, congressional ethics reform, and oversight of the Trump administration.[5][6]
Basic profile — the most important sourced facts we found.
Positions on the issues
- SupportsRaise taxes on high earners or corporations
Supports rebalancing the tax code so billionaires and corporations pay a larger share.[7]
“Rebalance the tax code so that billionaires and corporations pay their fair share.”
- SupportsExpand public health coverage
Supports a public health-insurance option, lowering the Medicare eligibility age to 60, and extending ACA premium tax credits.[7]
“Enact a true public option to guarantee universal coverage and force insurance companies to compete by offering lower prices and better coverage... Lower the Medicare eligibility age to 60.”
- SupportsProtect legal access to abortion
Supports protecting abortion access in Nebraska and nationwide.[7]
“Protect a woman's right to choose in Nebraska and nationwide.”
- OpposesBroad tariffs on imported goods
Opposes broad tariffs, saying they have raised costs for farmers and consumers.[7]
“Roll back tariffs that are hurting Nebraska's farmers and driving up costs for producers and consumers.”
- MixedExpand immigration enforcement and deportations
Supports strong border security paired with a pathway to citizenship, and would cut what he calls excess ICE detention funding.[7]
“Claw back nearly $75 billion in excess funding from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and prohibit the use of any federal funds to detain children... Ensure strong security at the southern border while enforcing immigration laws in ways that reflect our values.”
In their words — priorities
- Lowering costs for families on housing, energy, groceries and child care, including ending tariffs and expanding the Child Tax Credit.[6]
- Congressional oversight of the executive branch, including investigations and hearings.[6]
- Ethics reform: banning stock trading by members of Congress, enacting term limits, and overturning Citizens United.[6]
Background
Campaign money
Raised $592K · spent $302K · $291K cash on hand (through 2026-06-30) FEC filing ↗