Flood v. Backemeyer: How to watch Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District debate

Rep. Mike Flood will debate his Democratic challenger Chris Backemeyer in their first debate

September 21, 2026

NE-01 Incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Flood (left) and Democratic nominee Chris Backemyer (right) | Photos: Office of Rep. Mike Flood & Backemeyer for Congress campaign

Incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Flood will hit the debate stage with his Democratic challenger Chris Backemeyer after all.

After trading accusations of debate dodging earlier this month, Flood and Backemeyer have settled on a date, venue, and host for a 1st Congressional District debate on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.

Nebraska Public Media is partnering with the Omaha World-Herald and Rural Radio Network to host the event at the Ron Hull Studio in Lincoln. It will be broadcast statewide on Nebraska Public Media’s television and radio channels, with live streaming on YouTube, the Nebraska Public Media website and the Nebraska Public Media app.

Omaha World-Herald managing editor Aaron Sanderford and Nebraska Public Media News managing editor Jackie Ourada will moderate the debate.

The NE-01 debate is a part of Nebraska Public Media News’ Campaign Connection 2026 coverage. On Oct. 14, candidates in the state’s “Blue Dot” 2nd district—Republican Brinker Harding and Democrat Denise Powell—will face off in a debate of their own, also hosted by Nebraska Public Media.

Courier Nebraska will offer debate coverage on our social media channels. (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Youtube)

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