LINCOLN, Nebraska — A political veteran has flipped the script in the Cornhusker State's elections race. Former state Senator Bob Krist, 69, of Omaha, has officially entered the contest for Nebraska secretary of state under the banner of the new America First Party, a move that has shaken up what was already a heated two-man showdown.
Krist, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, has had a winding political journey. He was appointed to the Legislature as a Republican in 2009, briefly became an independent in 2017, then ran as the Democratic nominee for governor in 2018. He later returned to nonpartisan status. Now, within the past week, he has switched again, this time to the fledgling America First Party, which approached him about throwing his hat in the ring.
“I believe very strongly that my background, my voice, needs to be heard,” Krist told the Nebraska Examiner. “I've never entered an election thinking I was going to lose.”
Why did Bob Krist change his mind about running?
Back in June, Krist had made it clear he wanted no part of a three-way race, calling it a “death sentence” and saying anyone who jumped in as a third candidate was “crazy.” He had even considered a nonpartisan bid but ultimately shelved that idea after realizing it would require 4,000 valid signatures statewide by Aug. 3, including at least 750 from each of the state's three congressional districts.
But the America First Party route is far easier. Krist only needs 25 valid signatures from new party members to qualify. That low barrier, combined with his belief that Nebraska needs a “voice of reason” on elections, convinced him to enter after all.
“We have not had problems in the state,” Krist said, defending Nebraska's election integrity.
What does Krist want to change as secretary of state?
Krist has pointed to one major grievance: handing over Nebraska's voter data to the federal government. He said he “never” would have done that, a stance that resonates with sovereignty-minded voters. He also wants to boost voter turnout, particularly for those in remote areas or long-term care facilities, and has praised a law championed by his friend, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, that allows counties to conduct 100% mail-in elections.
“Seems to me like we need to make elections fair and available to everyone. Make sure no one's cheating. And we've already done that as a Legislature,” Krist said. “I think it's on the right track, and I think we need to stay on the track we're on. Maybe increase the pace just a little bit.”
How are the other candidates reacting?
Republican nominee Scott Petersen, an Omaha businessman who handily won the May GOP primary over incumbent Secretary of State Bob Evnen, isn't sweating the new competition. “We're going to keep traveling Nebraska and making the case for restoring confidence in our elections, improving services for Nebraska businesses and defending Nebraska,” Petersen said in a text. “We will be working hard to win big on November 3rd.”
Petersen has aligned himself with President Donald Trump's push to crack down on mail-in voting and require citizenship verification, even using the phrase “America first” in his own statements. The Nebraska Republican Party had actually tried to block the America First Party from forming, fearing voter confusion, but the state Supreme Court allowed its certification.
Democrat Sarah Slattery, a professional chef and small business owner from Plattsmouth, said Krist's entrance doesn't change her game plan. She's focused on restoring “neutrality” to the office and protecting voting rights. “I'm still in this to protect the voting rights of Nebraskans and reach out to as many Nebraskans as I possibly can and let them know what's at stake in the Nov. 3 election,” she said.
Who else is running under the America First Party?
The party also has a candidate for auditor of public accounts: John Knight of Clay Center, who serves as the party's secretary. He'll face incumbent Auditor Mike Foley of Lincoln, a former state senator running unopposed for a fourth nonconsecutive four-year term.
What does this mean for Nebraska's election?
The general election is set for Nov. 3. With Krist now in the mix, voters have a third option that wasn't on the table just weeks ago. His message of protecting state sovereignty and keeping federal hands off local election data could strike a chord with those who feel Washington has too much influence.
For Zambians watching from afar, this is a reminder that even in established democracies, the fight over who controls elections is far from over. The question is whether Krist's “voice of reason” will be loud enough to shake up the establishment.
