Legislature - District 02 - G26


Dean Helmick

Republican
Website: http://helmickforlegislature.com 

Contacted by resident of the district.
02/20/26, 10:35am, Reached candidate via phone, agreed to look at questions
02/20/26, 10:53am, emailed access link,  resent at 9:06 
02/23/26, 10:32am, Sent follow up text.  Candidate hadn't had time yet
03/03/26, 2:10pm, Sent a follow up text message 
03/09/26, 11:23am, Phone call to candidate; 
03/11/26, 12:48pm, Candidate called director
03/11/26, 2:20pm, Emailed "paper" version of questionnaire
03/19/26, 10:02am, Sent follow up text message regarding status.
03/19/26, 10:20am, Candidate responded, he is working on it.
Answers submitted online March 27, 2026 @ 1:38 PM.

Caitlin Knutson

Democrat
Website: https://www.knutsonforlegislature.com/ 

Contacted by resident of the district.
During Primary
02/20, 2/23, 2/24, 3/3, 3/9, 3/19, 3/20, 3/24, 4/5.
Voicemails, texts, emails
For General
07/12/26, 5:19pm, emailed invitation for publicity opportunity, and access link
08/31/26, answered email sent by candidate asking her to answer VIP,
emailed access link, attached "paper" copy of questionnaire

Job Description

How office affects the voter

Almost any decision the Legislature makes will affect many, if not most voters. They are the law makers.

Duties and Responsibilities

Simply stated in Article III-30 of the Nebraska Constitution, “The Legislature shall pass all laws necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this constitution.” The list of standing committees reveals the categories in which bills are created, discussed and some eventually become laws. Agriculture, Appropriations, Banking, Commerce and Insurance, Business and Labor, Education, General Affairs, Government, Military and Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, Judiciary, Natural Resources, Nebraska Retirement Systems, Revenue, Transportation and Telecommunications, and Urban Affairs. Special committees can be created as needed. The Legislature has a lot of power but is limited by what laws are managed locally at city and county level. (Page 16 Nebraska Constitution) They also do not have authority over schools. They do have authority to act in an emergency if there is an international enemy attack.

See Complete Description

Job Description

How office affects the voter

Almost any decision the Legislature makes will affect many, if not most voters. They are the law makers.

Duties and Responsibilities

Simply stated in Article III-30 of the Nebraska Constitution, “The Legislature shall pass all laws necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this constitution.” The list of standing committees reveals the categories in which bills are created, discussed and some eventually become laws. Agriculture, Appropriations, Banking, Commerce and Insurance, Business and Labor, Education, General Affairs, Government, Military and Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, Judiciary, Natural Resources, Nebraska Retirement Systems, Revenue, Transportation and Telecommunications, and Urban Affairs. Special committees can be created as needed. The Legislature has a lot of power but is limited by what laws are managed locally at city and county level. (Page 16 Nebraska Constitution) They also do not have authority over schools. They do have authority to act in an emergency if there is an international enemy attack.

Requirements for the position

Must be a registered voter, at least 21 years old. Must have resided within the district for one year before his or her election. Must not hold any office under the authority of the United States, or any lucrative office under the authority of Nebraska.

Other information

Salary: $12,000/year. Many recommend having the abilities to communicate and negotiate.

Term of office

4 years, with no more than 2 consecutive terms.

Partisan?

Nonpartisan

When election is held

Odd-numbered districts voted on in Presidential elections, even-numbered districts voted on in Gubernatorial elections.

Links

Douglas County Election Site information, Nebraska Constitution-330 references, Nebraska Revised Statutes Chapter 50

Keep scrolling or click on categories to see candidate answers.

How office affects the voter

Almost any decision the Legislature makes will affect many, if not most voters. They are the law makers.

Duties and Responsibilities

Simply stated in Article III-30 of the Nebraska Constitution, “The Legislature shall pass all laws necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this constitution.” The list of standing committees reveals the categories in which bills are created, discussed and some eventually become laws. Agriculture, Appropriations, Banking, Commerce and Insurance, Business and Labor, Education, General Affairs, Government, Military and Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, Judiciary, Natural Resources, Nebraska Retirement Systems, Revenue, Transportation and Telecommunications, and Urban Affairs. Special committees can be created as needed. The Legislature has a lot of power but is limited by what laws are managed locally at city and county level. (Page 16 Nebraska Constitution) They also do not have authority over schools. They do have authority to act in an emergency if there is an international enemy attack.

Requirements for the position

Must be a registered voter, at least 21 years old. Must have resided within the district for one year before his or her election. Must not hold any office under the authority of the United States, or any lucrative office under the authority of Nebraska.

Other information

Salary: $12,000/year. Many recommend having the abilities to communicate and negotiate.

Term of office

4 years, with no more than 2 consecutive terms.

Partisan?

Nonpartisan

When election is held

Odd-numbered districts voted on in Presidential elections, even-numbered districts voted on in Gubernatorial elections.

Links

Douglas County Election Site information, Nebraska Constitution-330 references, Nebraska Revised Statutes Chapter 50