FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 22, 2026

CONTACT: Campaign@BackNebraska.com 

Poll: Backemeyer Leads Flood Heading Into NE-01 Debate

Recent poll shows growing rejection of Flood’s support for tariffs, the Iran war, and healthcare cuts, as Backemeyer locks down key endorsements

Lincoln — With Chris Backemeyer, Democratic candidate for Nebraska’s First Congressional District, and incumbent Mike Flood set to meet on the debate stage this week, a recent outside poll from Global Strategy Group shows Backemeyer leading 49% to 45% head-to-head — a lead that holds even when third-party candidates are included, where Backemeyer is up by one point.

The survey of 600 likely voters, conducted August 31–September 3, carries a margin of error of +/- 4%. The result comes as NE-01 remains squarely on the national radar: the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) named the district to its “Districts in Play” list earlier this cycle, the first time it’s appeared on that list in 20 years.

“Mike Flood has supported Trump’s every move to make gas, groceries, and healthcare more expensive. He’s shown us time and time again that we can’t trust him to step out of Trump’s shadow to do what’s best for Nebraskans,” said Backemeyer. “In this debate, voters will see a clear choice: more of the same failed policies from a career politician in Mike Flood, or someone who actually fights for Nebraska’s families and farmers.”

Backemeyer’s campaign has also built a broad coalition of support heading into the debate. He has recently been endorsed by the Nebraska Farmers Union, which for the first time in 20 years has endorsed a Democrat alone, as well as the Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA). A full list of endorsements can be found here.

A Career Politician, Same Failed Playbook

Backemeyer’s campaign says the momentum reflects mounting frustration with Flood’s record in Washington — a record defined by policies that have directly hurt Nebraska families and farmers:

• Tariffs and the Trade War: Flood has voted six times in support of President Trump’s reckless blanket tariff policy which has raised costs and cut into markets for Nebraska’s farmers and small businesses, and has driven up prices for Nebraskans.
• The War in Iran: Flood has voted six times to back the war of choice in Iran, resulting in skyrocketing gas and diesel prices and adding $1 billion a day to the national debt.
• Healthcare Cuts: Flood voted for the so-called “On Big Beautiful Bill” that cut $1 trillion from Medicaid and hurt rural hospitals, and voted to raise premiums for Nebraskans on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

The debate is scheduled for Wednesday, September 23 at 7 pm, hosted by Nebraska Public Media, the Omaha World Herald, and KRVN Rural Radio. 

About Chris

For more than two decades, Chris 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.

To learn more about Chris and his campaign, please visit www.BackNebraska.com.

For a high-resolution headshot of Chris, please click here.