Legal Battle Over New Political Parties Unfolds in Nebraska
In a move that has stirred political tensions, the Nebraska Republican Party has filed a lawsuit to prevent the America First Party from appearing on the ballot in the upcoming November elections. This legal action aims to challenge Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen’s decision not to block the new party’s formation.
The GOP’s lawsuit, submitted to Lancaster District Court Judge Darla Ideus, claims that the language and presentation of the America First Party are intentionally misleading to voters, thus violating state law. The lawsuit specifically targets Omaha Tribe Attorney General John Cartier, who sponsors the party, accusing him of using conservative rhetoric to mask his true political beliefs.
The lawsuit states, “However, the façade crumbles under the slightest scrutiny. Mr. Cartier is a well-known leftist political operative with deeply held leftist political beliefs. This is not the establishment of a legitimate political party. It is political sabotage — a calculated effort to maliciously confuse voters by hijacking a nationally recognized brand inextricably linked to President Donald J. Trump and the conservative movement he leads.”
Both major political parties in Nebraska have raised concerns over the creation of two new parties in the state. Jane Kleeb, Chair of the State Democratic Party, accused U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts of orchestrating the establishment of the Nebraska Working People Party, claiming it was a tactic to fragment the vote. She noted, “There’s only one reason to launch a new party this late: divide the vote and create chaos. Voters see through spoiler games funded by special interests.”
Republicans have criticized the formation of the America First Party, pointing to Cartier’s association with Legal Marijuana Now Senate candidate Mike Marvin. They allege Marvin is aiding nonpartisan candidate Dan Osborn, and claim Marvin will exit the race, though Marvin insists he remains committed. The lawsuit also highlights a $500 payment from Osborn’s campaign to Cartier for legal services in November 2024, as documented by the Federal Election Commission.
The Secretary of State’s Office announced that both proposed parties have secured enough petition signatures. They are required to submit organizational documents by August 27 to qualify candidates for the November 3 election, with a deadline of September 1 for nominations.
The GOP’s legal challenge is among several lawsuits in Nebraska’s midterm election cycle. Another ongoing lawsuit seeks to compel the Nebraska Democratic Party to replace former Senate nominee Cindy Burbank, who withdrew from the race. Burbank had previously sued to be reinstated on the primary ballot after being removed by Evnen for not being a “good faith” candidate.
The political landscape remains uncertain as it’s not yet clear which races will feature candidates from the newly proposed parties. The most attention is on the Senate race between Osborn and incumbent Republican Ricketts.
In correspondence last month, the Nebraska GOP urged Secretary Evnen to oppose the America First Party’s formation, arguing the name could mislead voters. They cited state law allowing the rejection of party names deemed confusing. Evnen acknowledged the potential for voter confusion but noted no current Nebraska party uses “America” and “first” together.
Evnen stated, “In the event that Nebraska courts hold that I have broader authority than I have indicated here … or otherwise, I would disqualify the name ‘America First Party.’ Unless and until a court of competent jurisdiction timely holds otherwise, however, I will not disqualify the use of the name ‘America First Party.’”
Lancaster County District Judge Matthew Mellor has issued an emergency injunction halting the America First Party’s certification until a scheduled hearing on Monday afternoon.
