2 candidates are tracked for Lancaster County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Ben T. Houchin and Jay Pitts. Candidate information follows official Lancaster County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
Open seat: incumbent Sheriff Terry Wagner (R) does not appear on the November 2026 candidate list. Republican Ben Houchin faces Democrat Jay Pitts.
Sheriff. The sheriff runs the county's law enforcement agency, operates the county jail, provides courthouse security and serves court papers such as warrants, subpoenas and evictions. In many counties the sheriff's office is the primary police force for areas outside city limits. The sheriff hires deputies and manages the office's budget within what the county board approves.
This race. Every voter in Lancaster County votes on this seat.
Nebraska › Lancaster County › Lancaster County Sheriff
Republican
Per the campaign site.
Houchin has more than 32 years of experience in law enforcement and currently serves as Lancaster County Sheriff, per the campaign site.
Democratic
Per the campaign site.
Pitts is a 25-year law enforcement veteran with the Lincoln Police Department who grew up in Lancaster County, per the campaign site. He serves as a board member for the CentrePointe and Lighthouse nonprofits, per the campaign site.
Who is running for Lancaster County Sheriff in 2026?
2 candidates are tracked for Lancaster County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Ben T. Houchin and Jay Pitts. Candidate information follows official Lancaster County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
When is the Lancaster County Sheriff election in Nebraska?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Nebraska are on the Nebraska election hub at theballotbrief.com.
How do I see my exact Lancaster County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.
Candidate roster from official Lancaster County and state election office filings, last verified October 2, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.
Cross-check with the official Nebraska election office, or see the full Lancaster County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.
19 tracked races in Lancaster County, Nebraska. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.