Dean Helmick

Dean Helmick is a nonpartisan candidate for Nebraska State Senate District 2 in the November 3, 2026 general election, for an open seat, facing Caitlin Knutson.[1][2] Ballotpedia lists Helmick as having served in the U.S. Air Force from 1982 to 2024.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, Helmick named controlling spending, controlling regulations and investing in safety, security and infrastructure as his top priorities.[3]

Dean Helmick said in a Ballotpedia survey that he was born and raised in a small town in southwestern Montana and now lives south of Plattsmouth.[3] Helmick listed bachelor's degrees in history and political science, a master's degree in public administration, and a Senior Executive Fellowship at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.[3] He described more than four decades working for the Air Force in active-duty, contractor and civilian roles, including satellite launches and a role as a U.S. Strategic Command division chief in Nebraska.[3]

In the May 12, 2026 primary for District 2, Helmick finished first with 48.1 percent of the vote.[1] Helmick said he is running to defend constitutional rights, reduce the tax burden and lower the cost of everyday life for Nebraska families, and named public safety and security as a policy area he is passionate about.[3] Helmick identified affordability for working families as the state's greatest challenge over the next decade.[3]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.