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Franklin Today
By the People, for the People
Franklin Voters Cast Ballots in Contentious Mayoral Race
Incumbent John Nelson faces challengers Basil Ryan and write-in Steve Olsen as voters decide on leadership, development and community priorities.
Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:33pm
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As Franklin residents head to the polls to choose their next mayor, the quiet solemnity of the voting process reflects the city's divided community priorities.Franklin TodayVoters in Franklin, Nebraska are heading to the polls to decide the city's next mayor, choosing between three candidates on the ballot. Incumbent John Nelson is running for re-election, touting his work to bring in quality residential, commercial and retail developments. Challenger Basil Ryan wants to focus more on community and quality of life, while former Mayor Steve Olsen is running as a write-in candidate on a platform of restoring trust and pride in elected officials.
Why it matters
The Franklin mayoral race is seen as a contentious one, with residents divided on issues like development, community priorities and trust in local government. The outcome could have significant implications for the city's future direction and leadership.
The details
Incumbent John Nelson has served as Franklin's mayor for the past three years and is touting his work to bring in quality businesses and developments that provide family-supporting jobs. Challenger Basil Ryan says he is running to make sure residents have a say in what is happening in the city, as many feel divided on key issues. Former Mayor Steve Olsen, running as a write-in candidate, says he decided to run late last month after hearing feedback from community members and wants to restore trust and pride in elected officials.
- Voters have until 8 p.m. tonight to cast their ballots.
The players
John Nelson
The incumbent mayor of Franklin, who has served for the past three years and is running for re-election.
Basil Ryan
The challenger in the Franklin mayoral race, who is running on a platform of increasing community involvement and quality of life.
Steve Olsen
A former mayor of Franklin who is running as a write-in candidate, focused on restoring trust and pride in elected officials.
Terry Kanutson
A 45-year resident of Franklin who says the mayoral race could be anyone's win.
What they’re saying
“I think the mayor is the biggest contested thing today. Heard a lot of rumblings back and forth both ways. You need to make your own intelligent decision.”
— Terry Kanutson, Franklin resident
“I think they're headed in the right direction. I'd like to see taxes down, but I understand roads have to be maintained. For the most part, the city does a pretty great job.”
— Terry Kanutson, Franklin resident
What’s next
Voters have until 8 p.m. tonight to cast their ballots in the Franklin mayoral election. The results will determine the city's leadership and priorities for the next several years.
The takeaway
The Franklin mayoral race highlights the deep divisions within the community over issues like development, community priorities and trust in local government. Whichever candidate prevails, they will face the challenge of uniting the city and addressing the concerns of all residents.
