Strong Slate of Democratic Candidates Advances to General Election

NDP Chair Jane Kleeb praised the strong slate of Democratic candidates that advanced in Tuesday’s City of Lincoln Primary Election and now heads to the May 7 General Election. “The strength of Democratic voters continues to beatexpectations as we build our party across the state,” Kleeb said. In the race for Mayor, Democrat Leirion Gaylor Baird will face Republican Cyndi Lamm in the General Election. Democratic Mayor Chris Beutler was precluded from seeking a fourth term after voters approved a three-term limit on the office that was pushed by the GOP. Beutler had beaten Republican candidates in the last three mayoral elections. Democrats have held the mayor’s office since 1999. In races for the City Council, Democrat James Michael Bowers, a school social worker and small business owner, will face Republican Taylor Wyatt for the District 1 seat that is now held by Lamm, who did not seek re-election in order to run for mayor. In District 2, Democrat Megan Stock, an elementary school teacher, will face Republican Richard Meginnis for the seat being vacated by Republican Jon Camp, who did not not seek re-election. In District 3, Democratic incumbent Jane Raybould, an executive with her family’s grocery store chain, will face Republican Colten Zamrzla. In District 4, Democrat Tammy Ward, a longtime political and community activist and aide to former U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, will face Libertarian James Herrold for the seat being vacated by Democrat Carl Eskridge, who did not seek re-election.

Democratic candidate Cassey Lottman posted on Facebook: I feel so much gratitude towards every one of you who supported me through this campaign. We moved the conversation forward, especially on affordable housing and the environment.

I'll have more reflections to share later, but for now, I want to make sure you know about the great candidates who are moving forward to the general election: James Michael Bowers for City Council, Megan Stock for City Council, Jane Raybould, Tammy Ward for City Council, Aurang Zeb For Airport Authority, and of course, Leirion for Lincoln.

I believe in all of these individuals, and I know that they will keep our city moving forward. ????????

In races for the Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education, Democratic incumbent Annie Mumgaard will face Republican Paul Claus in District 4. In District 6, Democrat Bob Rauner, a Lincoln physician, was unopposed in his first bid to serve on the board. And in the race for a seat on the Lincoln Airport Authority, Democrat Aurang Zeb, a Lincoln business manager, will face Independent Nick Cusick. “Democratic candidates are ready to work hard in the general election to continue the great work of Mayor Beutler and the Democratic majority of the Lincoln City Council,” Kleeb said. See candidates. Courtesy of Nebraska Democratic Party, with additional text by Lancaster County Democratic Party Chair Janet Chung.