Full Breakdown
Primary Elections in Nebraska and West Virginia Set the Stage for 2026 Midterms
5/12/2026, 10:56:53 PM
Primary Contests Overview
On May 12, 2026 voters in Nebraska and West Virginia held primaries to set the slate for the November midterms. In West Virginia, Republican U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito seeks a third term with former President Donald Trump’s endorsement, facing five GOP challengers, including state Sen. Tom Willis. Governor Patrick Morrisey, not on the ballot, is backing legislative candidates and targeting incumbents. Nebraska’s primary includes Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts seeking a full Senate term, Omaha City Councilmember Brinker Harding unopposed for the open U.S. House seat, and a Democratic contest between state Sen. John Cavanaugh and organizer Denise Powell.
Political Stakes
The contests occur as Trump seeks to preserve narrow Republican majorities. Capito’s endorsement echoes Trump’s 2024 drive to remove “disloyal” senators. In Nebraska, the 2nd-district electoral vote—often called the “blue-dot”—is a focal point, with Powell warning its control could affect the 2028 presidential map.
Candidate Landscape
Key figures include Capito (R-WV) with Trump’s endorsement and Willis (R-WV) as a self-funded challenger. In Nebraska, Ricketts (R-NE) is Trump-endorsed; Harding (R-NE) runs unopposed; Cavanaugh (D-NE) is backed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus; Powell (D-NE) has endorsements from EMILY’s List and the Congressional Black Caucus. Democratic Senate candidates Burbank and Forbes clash, and Jane Kleeb (NE Democratic chair) calls Forbes a “Ricketts plant.”
Voter Turnout Data
The West Virginia Secretary of State reported 67,356 early votes (April 29–May 9), an 8 % rise over 2022, and 1,198,036 registered voters (5.5 % increase). The Associated Press counted about 36,000 early ballots as of May 5, including 17,000 Republicans, 13,600 Democrats and 3,600 unaffiliated.
Election Officials’ Statements
Secretary of State Warner said early voting shows voter confidence, the closed GOP primary has not reduced turnout, and no photo-ID problems have arisen.
Opposition Critiques
Democratic chair Kleeb calls Forbes a “Ricketts plant,” urging support for Burbank; Senate challenger Willis accuses Capito of “lost her way,” suggesting she no longer reflects the state’s conservative values.
Conflicting Early-Vote Reports
State officials list 67,356 early votes, while AP data show 36,000 as of May 5, indicating a reporting gap.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That tells me that West Virginia voters have confidence in our election process,” — Warner, West Virginia Secretary of State
- “Even with the high volume of campaign materials we saw this cycle, voters still want to participate in electing state, county and local leaders.” — Warner
- “William Forbes is a Ricketts plant,” — Jane Kleeb, Nebraska Democratic Party chair
- “This one electoral seat may be the thing that gets us across the finish line in 2028,” — Denise Powell, Democratic candidate for Nebraska’s 2nd District
Outlook
The Associated Press will certify winners once counts exceed 99 % and no recount is viable. Candidates will then pivot to general-election strategies, with Nebraska’s “blue-dot” and Capito’s Senate race shaping party agendas.
