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Congressman Zach Nunn says this next year will have a competitive ballot

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 12:29 GMT by ABC Kcrg 9
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Congressman Zach Nunn Forecasts a “Competitive Ballot” for Next Year’s Elections

By [Your Name], Research Journalist
Published September 7, 2025

In a recent interview with KCRG-TV, U.S. Representative Zach Nunn of Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District warned that the upcoming election cycle would be “more competitive than usual.” The seasoned Republican, who first entered Congress in 2017, is already preparing for a campaign that could prove to be one of the most closely watched races in the state over the next year.

A Snapshot of the 2nd District

Nebraska’s 2nd District stretches from the eastern part of the state—including the industrial hub of Omaha—out to the rural heartland of the state’s agricultural belt. Historically, the district has been a Republican stronghold, but demographic shifts, a growing Hispanic population, and the national polarization surrounding the 2024 presidential election are reshaping its political landscape. Nunn’s own margins have narrowed slightly over the past two election cycles, dropping from a 28‑point lead in 2016 to a 20‑point advantage in 2022. The 2024 results, in which he won with 57% of the vote, reflected a tightening margin that signals a potentially more contentious 2026 campaign.

The Core of Nunn’s Message

In his KCRG interview, Nunn emphasized his record on key issues that resonate with his constituents:

• Agriculture and Rural Development: Nunn highlighted the passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act (2023), which provided $1.2 billion in grants to Nebraska’s farmers and supported the adoption of precision‑ag technologies. He noted the Act’s role in boosting crop yields and preserving rural jobs.

• National Security and Defense: The Representative underlined his work on the National Defense Authorization Act (2024), specifically advocating for increased funding to the U.S. Air Force’s F‑35 program, a program that supports the local manufacturing base in Omaha’s industrial corridor.

• Second Amendment Rights: Nunn reaffirmed his commitment to the Second Amendment, citing his co‑sponsorship of the Constitutional Carry Act (2023), which removed restrictions on carrying firearms in public spaces.

• Fiscal Responsibility: “I’ve been on the floor to vote for measures that cut unnecessary federal spending while preserving essential services,” Nunn said, citing his support for the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (2023) which capped federal tax increases at 1.5% of GDP annually.

The Representative also highlighted his advocacy for environmental conservation on Nebraska’s western plains, where he worked with local stakeholders to secure federal funds for wildfire mitigation and water‑resource management.

Anticipating a Strong Challenger

While Nunn’s policy record is firmly grounded in his district’s priorities, the KCRG interview also acknowledged that he expects a robust Democratic opponent next year. The Democratic Party’s local chapter has been working on a candidate recruitment drive, and early reports suggest a former state senator, Maria Gutierrez, has expressed interest in challenging him. Nunn’s own campaign website, nunnforcongress.com, notes that he is actively courting younger voters and Latino communities, indicating a strategic push to solidify his base.

“America’s political climate is more dynamic than it was a decade ago,” Nunn remarked. “We’re looking at a broader coalition of voters, and I am prepared to listen, adapt, and defend my record.” He emphasized that his forthcoming 2026 campaign would hinge on a “data‑driven outreach strategy,” including targeted digital advertising, town‑hall meetings, and increased visibility on local media.

Linking to Broader Context

The KCRG article also referenced a national trend of more competitive midterm races, citing a CNN analysis of the 2024 elections that identified key swing districts across the Midwest. According to the analysis, demographic changes—especially the growth of Hispanic and suburban voters—are altering long‑standing partisan maps. For Nebraska, the article suggested that the 2nd District’s trajectory could serve as a bellwether for the rest of the state’s political realignment.

In addition, the interview drew attention to the 2024 Congressional Race Tracker—a tool on the House.gov website—that provided updated polling data and projected competitiveness scores. Nunn cited that his district’s score was currently hovering at a 58% competitiveness index, meaning that a shift of just 4 percentage points could swing the race. He stressed that “the margin is thin,” urging constituents to remain engaged.

The Road Ahead

With the 2026 election cycle just over a year away, Nunn’s campaign is moving into its “early phase,” a period characterized by fundraising, candidate vetting, and message development. His website indicates a goal of $12 million in campaign contributions by the end of this fiscal year, with a focus on small‑donor engagement. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party’s local organizing arm is reportedly working on building a “ground game” that could include door‑to‑door canvassing and community events.

Nunn’s willingness to confront a competitive ballot does not signal an admission of weakness. Instead, it reflects a pragmatic approach to the evolving political environment. “It’s not about fearing a loss,” he said. “It’s about ensuring that we, as a community, have the best representation in Washington. If that means having a contested race, then we’re ready for it.”

What to Watch

• Candidate Filing Deadline: The next 2026 election filing period opens in late 2025. Early filings may determine the official lineup of challengers.

• Polling Data: Updated polls from local news outlets and national research firms will track the race’s momentum and provide insight into demographic shifts.

• Policy Focus: The district’s key concerns—agriculture, defense, and fiscal prudence—will likely dominate campaign messaging and debate topics.

• Community Engagement: Town‑hall meetings, campaign rallies, and digital outreach efforts will serve as barometers for voter enthusiasm and turnout.

As the calendar turns toward the next electoral cycle, residents of Nebraska’s 2nd District can expect a robust campaign environment, with Zach Nunn openly preparing to face a potentially formidable challenger in a race that could reshape the district’s political narrative.