Nebraska Attorney General Race: Incumbent Mike Hilgers Faces Challenger Jocelyn Brasher

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers is seeking a second term in the 2026 election, pointing to ongoing water rights litigation and regulatory battles against major technology companies as unfinished business. His Democratic challenger, Jocelyn Brasher, argues the office has shifted toward partisan agendas that deviate from the core responsibilities of the state’s top law enforcement position, according to the Nebraska Examiner.

Defending a First-Term Legal Record Against Big Tech

Hilgers, a Republican, frames his bid for reelection around the legal track record established during his first term. His office has engaged in high-profile litigation against entities including Google, Meta, TikTok, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Hilgers describes his tenure as an effort to defend the U.S. and Nebraska Constitutions, characterizing his office as a "pound-for-pound" effective legal team. If reelected, he plans to expand his solicitor general team and continue prioritizing technology oversight and support for rural law enforcement.

Managing State Finances and Consumer Protection Funds

Regarding state finances, Hilgers defends his office’s spending against claims of budgetary mismanagement. He points to incoming settlement funds as evidence that his office provides a net positive impact on the state’s consumer protection cash fund.

Chief among these is a $200 million agreement with Meta to be paid out over a decade.

Brasher Campaigns on Returning to Office Basics

Jocelyn Brasher entered the race with a focus on what she describes as a "back to basics" approach. She contends that the current administration has prioritized national "culture wars" at the expense of local issues like human trafficking, violent crime, and data center regulation.

Brasher brings administrative experience to the contest, having previously worked for five years in the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office under former Attorney General Doug Peterson and served as a deputy Dodge County attorney. She uses this background to argue that she understands the practical, day-to-day operations of the office better than the current administration.

Her campaign strategy has involved traveling to all four corners of the state to engage directly with voters, a choice she contrasts with the incumbent’s more traditional approach of running positive advertisements. She argues that the office should act as "the people’s lawyer" and adhere strictly to the enforcement of state laws as written.

Diverging Stances on Cannabis Regulation and Ballots

The candidates hold opposing views on the role of the Attorney General regarding medical cannabis. Hilgers’ office has actively challenged the 2024 medical cannabis ballot initiative, accusing petitioners of fraud and participating in a multistate lawsuit to block federal marijuana reclassification. Hilgers maintains that cannabis is not a primary concern for the voters he speaks with, noting that those who do raise the topic often express support for his efforts to ensure election integrity.

Brasher views the issue differently, suggesting that marijuana legalization is a top concern for many constituents. She argues that Hilgers has attempted to overturn election results that do not align with his personal political views. If elected, she states she would focus on creating regulatory frameworks for medical cannabis that align with the results of the ballot initiative, including providing clear guidance for law enforcement.

Endorsements and Electoral Support

As the race develops, both candidates have built distinct coalitions of backing across the state.

Mike Hilgers has received endorsements from organizations such as the Nebraska Farm Bureau, the Nebraska Professional Fire Fighters Association, and the Lincoln and Omaha police unions.

Jocelyn Brasher is supported by prominent figures including former Governor Ben Nelson, Omaha Mayor John Ewing, and Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird.