FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2026 CONTACT: Campaign@BackNebraska.com
Support from respected community leaders signals growing momentum for Backemeyer’s campaign to bring new leadership to Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District
Lincoln, NE — Today, Chris Backemeyer, Democratic candidate for Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District, announced the endorsement of five respected local leaders: Chris Funk, former Executive Director and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Lincoln and Nebraska; Ken Haar, former State Senator and Lincoln City Councilmember; Chuck Hassebrook, former member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents and former Executive Director of the Center for Rural Affairs; Vince Powers, former Chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party and respected attorney; and Tammy Ward, former Lincoln City Councilmember and community advocate.
Their support reflects the growing momentum behind Backemeyer’s bid to unseat Mike Flood and deliver new leadership for Nebraska’s 1st District.
“I’m honored to earn the support of these well-respected leaders who have dedicated their careers to building a stronger future for Nebraska,” said Backemeyer. “Together, we are building a people-powered coalition to take on an entrenched incumbent, restore accountability, and bring Nebraska values back to Washington. I’m grateful for their support and committed to earning the trust of voters across the district.”
Joint Statement from Funk, Haar, Hassebrook, Powers, and Ward:
“As a lifelong public servant, Chris Backemeyer knows that leadership starts with listening, building consensus, and delivering real solutions that benefit all Nebraskans. His common-sense approach and depth of experience are exactly what Nebraska needs at this pivotal moment. Chris will fight to lower the cost of living, stand up for working families, and put people ahead of politics. We believe the people of CD1 are ready for a new generation of leadership that brings courage to Washington and focuses on getting the job done. Chris is prepared to lead on Day One, and we enthusiastically support his candidacy for Congress.”
For more than two decades, Backemeyer served at the highest levels of national security and economic policy in the U.S. Department of State and the White House National Security Council. Now, he’s running for Congress to serve the state that shaped him, fighting for working families, expanding opportunity, and building a better future for all Nebraskans.
About Chris
Chris was born and raised in Lincoln, miles from where his great-great-grandparents homesteaded their family farms in Cass County. A graduate of Lincoln East High School, Chris learned from an early age that hard work isn’t optional, neighbors look out for each other, and community is everything.
After college, Chris followed a conventional path, until 9/11 changed everything. Watching the towers fall, he felt a gut-deep call to serve his country.
He answered that call at the U.S. State Department, taking on tough assignments under both Democratic and Republican administrations — tackling counterterrorism, economic policy, and the challenges of the Middle East. He wasn’t interested in politics or credit, just getting things done. That reputation for results led to his service on the White House National Security Council and later as an advisor in the Executive Office of the Vice President.
Chris is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from the School of Global Policy and Strategy at the University of California San Diego, as well as Bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Political Science from Arizona State University.
