Orleans Woman Enters Crowded Race for Nebraska's District 38 Seat

Janell Anderson Ehrke, CEO of GROW Nebraska, joins four other candidates vying for the term-limited seat.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Janell Anderson Ehrke, the CEO of GROW Nebraska, has filed to run for the Nebraska Legislative District 38 seat currently held by term-limited state Sen. Dave Murman. Anderson Ehrke joins four other candidates - Tim Anderson, Melanie Knight, Wes Wilmot, and Jon Capps - in the race to represent the district that includes several rural counties.

Why it matters

The race for Nebraska's District 38 seat has drawn significant interest, reflecting the importance of rural representation in the state legislature. The winner will play a key role in addressing issues important to the district's agricultural communities and small towns.

The details

Anderson Ehrke, who also works on her family's farm in Harlan County, has dedicated years to strengthening rural Nebraska communities through her work at GROW Nebraska. The other candidates include the mayor of Sutton, an advocate and caregiver, a fifth-generation farmer and EMT, and a U.S. Army veteran and former tech executive.

  • Janell Anderson Ehrke filed to run for the District 38 seat in February 2026.
  • The current state senator, Dave Murman, is term-limited and cannot run for re-election.

The players

Janell Anderson Ehrke

The CEO of GROW Nebraska who is running for the District 38 seat.

Dave Murman

The current state senator for District 38 who is term-limited and cannot run for re-election.

Tim Anderson

The mayor of Sutton who is also running for the District 38 seat.

Melanie Knight

An advocate and volunteer who is running for the District 38 seat.

Wes Wilmot

A fifth-generation farmer and EMT from Furnas County who is running for the District 38 seat.

Jon Capps

A U.S. Army veteran and former tech executive who is running for the District 38 seat.

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What they’re saying

“I have dedicated years of my life to strengthening rural communities, and I look forward to bringing that experience to the Nebraska Legislature.”

— Janell Anderson Ehrke, Candidate for Nebraska's District 38 seat (nebraska.tv)

What’s next

The primary election for Nebraska's District 38 seat is scheduled for May 2026.

The takeaway

The crowded race for Nebraska's District 38 seat reflects the importance of rural representation in the state legislature. The winner will play a key role in addressing the unique challenges and priorities of the district's agricultural communities and small towns.