Special election date announced to fill Rep. Jeff Fortenberry’s seat

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The special election date to fill former Congressman Jeff Fortenberry’s open seat for Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District was announced on Friday.

The election will be held on Tuesday, June 28.  The date for the special election was set by Gov. Pete Ricketts in consultation with the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office.

“Nebraska First Congressional District voters will be participating in three elections this year,” stated Secretary of State Bob Evnen in a written statement, “the statewide primary on May 10, the First Congressional District special election on June 28, and the statewide general election November 8, 2022.”

Nebraska’s First Congressional District is comprised of Butler, Cass, Colfax, Cuming, Dodge, Lancaster, Madison, Platte, Seward, Stanton, and parts of Sarpy and Polk counties.

Fortenberry announced his resignation two days after being found guilty of lying to federal investigators.

Gov. Ricketts received and accepted Rep. Fortenberry’s resignation, which became effective when the United States Congress adjourned on March 31.

April 22 is the deadline for submission of candidate names and filings fees by the Republican and Democratic parties for the special election ballot.  The same deadline applies to people who wish to appear on the ballot by petition.  Two thousand valid signatures must be submitted by the deadline by anyone who wishes to petition onto the special election ballot.

Additional information about the upcoming special election will be available through the Nebraska Secretary of State’s website.