A map that shows where Democrats are in the state at the Nebraska Democratic Party's booth at the Nebraska State Fair on Aug. 29, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)
LINCOLN — National Democrats aim to help the Nebraska Democratic Party increase the number of registered Democrats in the state.
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The DNC announced plans Monday for a “registration blitz” this week across the state, including on college campuses, as the state’s second largest party tries to close the gap with Nebraska Republicans and reverse a recent decrease in registered Democrats. The party also put out a new “political playbook” as a guide for Democratic campaigns and organizers ahead of the midterms.
“At the DNC, our motto is when you organize everywhere, we can win anywhere, including in Nebraska,” said Ken Martin, Democratic National Committee Chair, in a statement. “We’re putting that belief into action as we invest in on the ground organizing that prioritizes listening to Nebraska voters and earning their support.”
Nebraska is a considered a reliably red state , where Republicans outnumber Democrats 2-to-1 and a growing number of people are registering as nonpartisans. The Cornhusker State has Democrats excited this cycle for an open-seat race in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District.
The Nebraska Democratic Party has outraised the Nebraska GOP since 2022, and party leadership have pointed to the party’s growth in city elections in Omaha and Lincoln, and they continue winning down-ballot races across the state.
The new 212 page playbook, called the “Organizing and Political Playbook,” shows how the Democratic Party aims to recover from its losses in 2024. The playbook touches on how the party plans to revamp how it reaches out and engages with voters and looks at how the Democratic Party might reconnect with groups it lost ground with in 2024, including the working class and young voters.
“Everything in these pages revolves around one core tenet: connection with voters matters more than the attempts we make,” part of the first page reads.
Republican National Committee spokesperson Zach Kraft called the Democratic effort a “scam.” The Nebraska Republican Party said it had nothing to add.
Nebraska is just one of the states the DNC is targeting with this type of “blitz.” It’s also doing something similar in Kentucky and Florida. DNC officials said this type of effort is a first in decades for the national party. The Nebraska Democrats did not disclose a specific amount that they will receive for the effort.
State Party Chair Jane Kleeb pointed out that Democratic state parties have received a budget bump from the DNC since Martin has become chair. She added that the local party has already been registering voters, such as during last week’s “No Kings” protests. Kleeb, who is also a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, said the goal is to register 10,000 more Democrats in the state.
The DNC also plans to do more events later this cycle.
This story is provided by States Newsroom, a nonprofit state news network and Blox Digital content partner.
