2026 Election Coverage; Candidate Previews for the Primary

As Nebraska’s 2026 Primary Election approaches on Tuesday, May 12, The Grant Tribune-Sentinel has asked local candidates why they are the most qualified to fill the position they are running to for. 

Locally, the Primary Ballot will include contested races for Perkins County Commissioner District 2, with incumbent Mark W. Bottom and challenger Leon D. Pankonin, both Republicans, seeking the nomination, along with the election for Perkins County Hospital District Board, where four candidates are running for three positions. 

Candidates for the Perkins County Hospital District Board include incumbents Marcia Shalla, Jeffrey D. Skeels and Melissa K. Wilson, along with challenger Lori Day. 

The deadline to register to vote online or by mail is April 27, while in-person registration will remain open through May 1. Early in-person voting begins April 13.