Two Lancaster County Board races will appear on the general election ballot, with just one incumbent running for reelection.
The five-person County Board manages county funds, oversees county property, adopts annual budgets, administers several programs established by state law, as well as sets tax levies and salaries of elected and appointed county officials. They also act as the county Board of Equalization.
Commissioners are elected to four-year terms and typically meet twice a week, at 9 a.m. Tuesdays for a televised business meeting, and 8:30 a.m. Thursdays for a staff meeting.
Commissioners will be paid $60,718 in 2024.
District 2
In District 2, which covers the northwest part of the county, incumbent Christa Yoakum, a Democrat, and Republican Jeremy P. Kuehn are on the ballot.
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Jeremy P. Kuehn
Age:Ìý34
Home:Ìý³¢¾±²Ô³¦´Ç±ô²Ô
°¿³¦³¦³Ü±è²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýPastor at Christ Place Church
±Ê²¹°ù³Ù²â:ÌýRepublican
Elected offices held:Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð
·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýBachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Minor in Business, University of Arkansas; Master of Practical Theology, Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Family:ÌýDawn Kuehn, three children
Website:Ìý
Why are you running for office?Ìý
I’m running for office to bring a fresh, community-focused perspective. I believe in thoughtful leadership that listens to the people and works hard to ensure our county stays focused on core services. It’s essential we spend tax dollars efficiently to benefit every citizen and help them experience the good life Nebraska is known for. I’m committed to advocating for policies that reflect our shared values and long-term success, ensuring government works for everyone in our community.
What is your top priority?
My top priority is ensuring our county focuses on delivering core services efficiently and effectively. By doing so, local government can provide a stable community where families and businesses thrive. This approach also helps keep government lean, the tax burden low, and gives families and businesses the freedom to spend their money the way they see fit. I’m committed to creating an environment where our community grows without unnecessary spending or overreach.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
My experience as a small-business owner, pastor and volunteer chaplain has taught me how to listen, lead and serve. I’ve worked with diverse groups, from law enforcement to students, always focusing on solving real problems and building strong teams. Managing budgets, navigating complex situations and uniting people for a common cause are skills I’ll bring to this office, ensuring we prioritize the needs of the community and spend tax dollars wisely.
How important is the East Beltway to Lancaster County and how much of a priority should it be for the county and the state? Why?
The East Beltway is vital for improving safety and easing congestion in Lancaster County. It will enhance traffic flow and support future growth. If managed and funded correctly, this project doesn’t have to be a huge tax burden on our local community. Seeking federal assistance should be a top priority to reduce costs. While the beltway is important, it must be balanced with other needs to ensure we don’t unnecessarily raise local taxes. Smart planning will benefit everyone.
Jail overcrowding in Lancaster County has become so severe that some inmates are being housed in another county. What changes do you think the county could make to reduce the jail population, or do you think building an addition or a new jail is the answer – and if so, why?
Jail overcrowding in Lancaster County is a critical issue. Rather than rushing into costly solutions, we should wait for the findings of two ongoing independent studies to guide our decisions. I oppose sending inmates to other counties, as it disrupts families and complicates rehabilitation. Our focus should be on reducing the jail population through reforms that enhance public safety while ensuring responsible use of taxpayer resources.
During a special session, the Legislature passed a property tax reduction bill to restrict how much local subdivisions can collect, capping growth at 0% or the rate of inflation, though there are exemptions for public safety. If cuts are necessary, where do you think they should happen?
I believe asking where to cut is the wrong perspective. We should invest to mitigate future budget increases and ensure we provide essential services, even in emergencies. Smart investments in infrastructure and public services reduce long-term costs while aligning the budget with population growth. I’m concerned our budget doesn’t meet emergency reserve guidelines, putting our communities and families at risk during a crisis. We need to plan for stability and security.
Christa Yoakum
Age:Ìý66
Home:Ìý³¢¾±²Ô³¦´Ç±ô²Ô
°¿³¦³¦³Ü±è²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýLancaster County Commissioner, District 2, and Senior Program Coordinator at Nebraska Appleseed
±Ê²¹°ù³Ù²â:ÌýDemocrat
Elected offices held:ÌýÌýLancaster County Board of Commissioners
·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln, studied journalism; Southeast Community College - Certificate in Assisted Living Administration
Family:ÌýHusband John Yoakum, four sons
Website:Ìý
Why are you running for office?
I’m running for reelection because my entire career has always been caring for Nebraskans, first through my work in health care and now through public service. Nebraskans need experienced governance that will put working families first. I grew up here, raised my family here and am dedicated to continuing to support our community so it's safe and vibrant for everyone.
What is your top priority?
As I am talking with voters, the rising costs of goods and property taxes are hurting our residents. I’ve worked to cut the property tax levy and balance our county budget so that we can keep more money in people’s pockets. There’s more work to be done to alleviate costs for the middle class. My top priority is to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed in Nebraska.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
As commissioner, I have cut the property tax levy three straight times, supported mental health services and worked to improve our roads and bridges. On the board, I also voted to add additional sheriff’s deputies to keep our communities safe. I have bipartisan support and I know how to bring people together to get the job done. With bipartisan support, I know how to work with everyone to get the job done and I will continue working hard for Lancaster County.
How important is the East Beltway to Lancaster County and how much of a priority should it be for the county and the state? Why?
As our population continues to grow, an East Beltway will help move goods to market more efficiently. In the same way, the South Beltway has separated heavy truck traffic from more residential traffic, making our roads safer for everyone.
Jail overcrowding in Lancaster County has become so severe that some inmates are being housed in another county. What changes do you think the county could make to reduce the jail population, or do you think building an addition or a new jail is the answer – and if so, why?
Public safety is our top priority, and I actively serve on several committees focused on addressing the root causes of justice involvement and reducing recidivism for youth and adults. Many individuals in the county jail face mental health challenges or addiction. We are improving access to services, yet the state must improve wait times for restoring competency in individuals with mental illness. Additionally, the state must pay for unfunded mandates passed to counties through statutes.
During a special session, the Legislature passed a property tax reduction bill to restrict how much local subdivisions can collect, capping growth at 0% or the rate of inflation, though there are exemptions for public safety. If cuts are necessary, where do you think they should happen?
Our board will continue to balance the budget, while protecting vital county services. The county’s role largely involves public safety, infrastructure and health care that many families depend on. We wouldn’t have to make cuts but would be unable to keep up with inflation and county growth. I have worked to improve budget transparency and create one of the most transparent county budget processes in Nebraska. I am leery of state-imposed tax shifts that impact working families such as sales tax.
District 4
In southeastern District 4, two newcomers are running: David Russell, a Republican, and Chelsea Johnson, a Democrat. Incumbent Roma Amundson is not running for reelection.
Chelsea Johnson
Age:Ìý34
Home:ÌýLincoln
°¿³¦³¦³Ü±è²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýDeputy Director, Conservation Nebraska
±Ê²¹°ù³Ù²â:ÌýDemocrat
Elected offices held:ÌýLower Platte South Natural Resources District director
·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýNebraska Wesleyan University
Family:ÌýPartner Jared
Website:Ìý
Why are you running for office?Ìý
I’m running to bring people together around commonsense solutions to make our community more safe and affordable. When Commissioner Amundson decided not to seek reelection, I was asked to run. I decided to do so because I care about our community. I am honored to be endorsed by the Lincoln Police Union, Lincoln Firefighters Union, Nebraska Fraternal Order of the Police, AFL-CIO and Republicans, including Commissioner Amundson, and independents and Democrats across our community.
What is your top priority?
My priority is to reduce our tax burden, make everyday necessities more affordable and ensure our community is a safe place to live. As treasurer of the Lower Platte South NRD, I made fiscal responsibility a No. 1 priority while providing critical services our community relies on. I built bipartisan support for a stable budget and to substantially reduce our tax levy to keep more money in taxpayers’ pockets. I will use this same commonsense approach on the County Board.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
I am a seventh generation Nebraskan and have lived in Lincoln for over 15 years. I have over a decade of experience as deputy director of Conservation Nebraska, where I have built common ground with people of all backgrounds to ensure we have clean air and safe drinking water. As treasurer of the Lower Platte South NRD and a Lincoln Electric System board member, I have experience building responsible budgets, and I’ve focused on keeping costs low and planning for the future.
How important is the East Beltway to Lancaster County and how much of a priority should it be for the county and the state? Why?
Ensuring we have well-maintained and safe roads and bridges across Lancaster County is essential. The East Beltway is an important project for public safety and economic development, and is one of my top priorities. We have evidence that lack of an East Beltway puts pressure on county roads, especially 148th Street. With all infrastructure projects, I believe it’s important to have a process that values community input and avoids the use of eminent domain as we work to provide public benefits.
Jail overcrowding in Lancaster County has become so severe that some inmates are being housed in another county. What changes do you think the county could make to reduce the jail population, or do you think building an addition or a new jail is the answer – and if so, why?
We need meaningful reforms to keep communities safe, support law enforcement and meet the needs of victims. I support the county’s efforts to reduce recidivism, which have an over 80% success rate, and work to support staff and address mental health concerns. My problem-solving approach is to gather information and collaborate with others. As commissioner I will evaluate results of the county’s not-yet-completed study on criminal justice commissioned earlier this year to make decisions.
During a special session, the Legislature passed a property tax reduction bill to restrict how much local subdivisions can collect, capping growth at 0% or the rate of inflation, though there are exemptions for public safety. If cuts are necessary, where do you think they should happen?
My approach is informed by nearly a decade of service on the NRD Board, where as treasurer, I oversaw the greatest decrease in our tax levy in 15 years. Keeping the property tax request as low as possible is critical. To determine where cuts should be made, investigate the effectiveness of current programs and identify projects that can be safely deferred. Find other revenue sources, such as grants and public-private partnerships, to reduce the need for property taxes.
David Russell
Age:Ìý49
Home:Ìý³¢¾±²Ô³¦´Ç±ô²Ô
°¿³¦³¦³Ü±è²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýDirector of Digital Solution, NMPP Energy
Party:ÌýRepublican
Elected offices held:
·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýBachelor of Science in Management Information Systems, Bellevue University
Family:ÌýDenette Russell, three children
Website:Ìý
Why are you running for office?
I’m running for County Board because the county deserves leadership that understands its needs and is committed to solving its challenges. As a business leader and combat veteran, I’ve made tough decisions and built successful teams from all walks of life. I’m motivated by the opportunity to serve my community, bringing collaboration, innovation and the voices of residents to the table. I’m running to make a real difference in the lives of our residents and restore service to public service.
What is your top priority?
My top priority is to build a fiscally responsible, efficient county government that returns taxpayer dollars to hard-working families and businesses. By cutting waste and streamlining operations, I’ll ensure every dollar is used wisely. Improving infrastructure, enhancing public safety and other core county service is critical. My goal is to make Lancaster County a model of fiscal responsibility that prioritizes growth, safety and community well-being without overburdening taxpayers.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
With 25-plus years of leadership in private business and government, I bring the business expertise our County Board urgently needs. As a certified government chief information officer (CGCIO), I have the skills to tackle key issues and ensure effective governance. My ability to foster collaboration will drive efficiency and fiscal responsibility. I’m uniquely qualified to ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely, fostering growth and accountability while delivering real results for Lancaster County.
How important is the East Beltway to Lancaster County and how much of a priority should it be for the county and the state? Why?
The East Beltway is not just a transportation project; it’s a critical driver for Lancaster County’s future economic growth and sustainable job creation. By improving access for businesses, easing congestion and attracting new investments, this project will strengthen our economic base and prepare us for sustainable growth. The East Beltway will connect people, businesses and opportunities across the region, ensuring that Lancaster County is a hub for growth and prosperity.
Jail overcrowding in Lancaster County has become so severe that some inmates are being housed in another county. What changes do you think the county could make to reduce the jail population, or do you think building an addition or a new jail is the answer – and if so, why?
I advocate for data-driven solutions to address both the potential need for expanded jail capacity and the long-term goal of reducing recidivism. Collaborating with law enforcement, nonprofits and local businesses, we can develop effective rehabilitation, mental health and job-training programs to reduce non-violent offenders cycling through the system. Before committing to new facilities, we must explore cost-effective alternatives. We must ensure public safety without burdening taxpayers
During a special session, the Legislature passed a property tax reduction bill to restrict how much local subdivisions can collect, capping growth at 0% or the rate of inflation, though there are exemptions for public safety. If cuts are necessary, where do you think they should happen?
If spending cuts are necessary, we must protect core services. By collaborating and using data-driven insights, we can target cuts strategically, eliminating waste without compromising service quality. I’ll ensure tax dollars go where they’re needed most. My business experience equips me to find solutions while preserving jobs and services. It’s equally critical to work with the state to protect against unfunded mandates. Together, we can build a more efficient, accountable county government.