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About Paul...
A Nebraskan. Not a party man.
Paul Rumbaugh was raised in Omaha, Nebraska along with his brother, Russell, by their parents Steven Rumbaugh and Janie Rumbaugh (divorced). His parents graduated from Rock County High School in Bassett, NE before moving to Lincoln and eventually settling in Omaha. His father, Steven, worked as an architect for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 33 years before retiring. His mother, Janie, was a stay-at-home-mom raising the two boys and then started working 22 years for Omaha Public Schools until her retirement.
Paul was born on April 3, 1978 in Heidelberg, Germany while his father was assigned there with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1977 to 1980. He was born in the hospital on the U.S. Army base in Heidelberg. Because of this, instead of a traditional birth certificate, Paul has a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) from the U.S. State Department as proof of citizenship. The family moved back to Omaha, in March 1980, just shy of Paul's second birthday.
Paul graduated from Omaha Central High School, attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and then, after transferring credits, earned his Bachelor of Science in Security Management from Bellevue University. In 2026, Paul was certified as a Fellow of the Institute for Court Management (ICM).
Paul has lived in Heidelberg, Germany (as a toddler), Omaha, NE, Lincoln, NE, Bellevue, NE and Sioux Falls, SD. He moved back to Omaha with his now wife, Blair Rumbaugh and two children, from South Dakota in June of 2009. While Paul lives in Omaha, both he and his wife have extensive family ties throughout Nebraska. This has caused a few happy surprises. When attending a gathering, they are just as likely to see a relative of the other one, no matter who's family the event is for.
Career:
Paul Rumbaugh has over 25 years of experience at all levels in business. He did start his first paper route at the age of 12, but we won't count all the way back to that. In the private sector Paul has worked on or with businesses at all levels, from local family owned, to regional, national, and international companies. He has been licensed through the state of Nebraska and held a Nebraska Resident Life & Health license at two separate times, as well as being a certified Notary Public. Paul has spent years working and managing in roles for sales, customer experience, and operations in technology, telecommunications, and software with a focus on risk management and mitigation as well as business continuity. Paul shifted from the private sector to the public sector in 2023 when he began working for Douglas County and the Nebraska Fourth Judicial District Clerk of the District Court’s Office.
Paul has worked for national companies such as Hayneedle, Northwestern Mutual Life and Aflac. He worked with insurance for risk mitigation and protection of earnings and in e-commerce, both B2B and B2C customer base in a sales and operations position. At a regional level, Paul was with Qwest Communications in sales and retention management. Paul has worked for multiple companies that partnered or contracted with telecommunication giants such as, Verizon, Sprint, Nextel. On the international stage Paul worked as an Account Executive for Aptean Software handling accounts for businesses of all sizes from small to large both nationally and internationally. Paul has also worked locally with many family owned or sole proprietorships and understands the struggle and slim margins of error small businesses face every day.
Party Perspective
✓ The Nebraska Working People Party believes Nebraska deserves a political party that puts people first — fighting for an economy that works for working families, not just the wealthy few. From Omaha to the Sandhills, we are standing up for every Nebraskan.
✓ Paul believes in a Nebraska where every vote is protected and every economic engine serves to benefit everyday Nebraskans. This campaign is built on the principles of transparency, accountability, and the unwavering defense of our democratic institutions. Paul Rumbaugh embodies these values, ready to lead the Secretary of State's office with integrity and a vision that puts the needs of Nebraska citizens first.
✓ Nebraska's family farms, ranches, and rural communities are the backbone of our state and deserve strong support by their elected officials, not a gambling chip for nameless bureaucrats to play games with.
✓ Government should work for everyday people, not only wealthy donors and special interests.
✓ Family Farming: Fighting corporate consolidation, supporting family operations, and keeping Nebraska's agricultural heritage alive.
✓ Economic Fairness: Business policies that invest in working families and small businesses, not billion-dollar corporations and the ultra-wealthy.
Election Integrity & State Rights
Bob Evnen handed your private voter data and personal information to party insiders and unelected officials out on the East Coast and the D.C. swamp. Your name. Your address. Your political affiliation. How often you vote. Where you vote. Gone.
Scott Petersen, the Republican candidate to replace him, sits on the Nebraska Republican Party Executive Committee and is the Republican Vice Chair of Nebraska's Second Congressional District. He is not an independent voice for Nebraska. He is not an maverick like John McCain. He will follow his orders from the party like a good puppet, not what is best for Nebraska. Scott Petersen questions if the great patriotic Nebraskans that work in the Secretary of State's Office can even do their job. He thinks they didn't in 2020. He doesn't have any proof to that, but he will use it to backstab the citizens of this great state.
I am Paul Rumbaugh. I am not a Democrat. I left the Republican Party in 2009 because they left me behind, and I could no longer see my Nebraska values in the actions they were taking. I have watched as Nebraskans are ignored by party leadership, and had too many decisions made in back rooms in New York, California or Florida.
Unfortunately, we are basically in a 2 party system, and the Democrats have proven over the last 85 years that they are unelectable to the Secretary of State Office in Nebraska.
I know how the Office of the Secretary of State is supposed to work. I know that our elected officials are there to serve the citizens of Nebraska, and I know when it is being used against the people it is supposed to serve. I can also see that the Republican leadership, and their puppet candidate, don't care about any of that.
My position is simple: Nebraskans are the ones to decide which Nebraskans can vote, and how they vote. Nobody outside this state gets a say in that.
The foundation of our democracy rests on the security and accessibility of our elections. Operating state elections is a fundamental state's right protected in the Constitution. I am committed to protecting the integrity of every Nebraskan's vote while defending our state's right to manage our own democratic processes.
I have great faith in our staff at the Elections division and the volunteers and staff out in our county election offices. They have been working on transparency, modernizing infrastructure, and upholding the principle of one person, one vote. Any shortcoming that exists lands at the feet of the poor leadership that has held this Office. Everything that is possible in this Secretary of State's Office is built on the everyday hard work of the staff. I support continuing to build the current measures like tabulator testing, mock elections and postelection audits that the Election Division is implementing or has implemented.
With the staff's hard work and removing from power the party that has been screaming that the system is broken for 85 years, even though they were in charge for all of those 85 years, we can build a future where we know and can prove that every Nebraska citizens legal ballot is counted and every voice is heard without interference.
Every system needs to be constantly improving, but I actually have faith that Nebraska's voting system is safe and secure. The reason I believe that is for 3 reasons all to do with the party leadership and those that took the position of Secretary of State for personal power.
The Republican Party has held the Nebraska Secretary of State's Office for 85 years. The last Democrat to be Secretary of State was voted out in 1940 (before the U.S. joined World War II). Given that history, there are only three possible explanations for claims of widespread voting fraud.
1. They have not been doing their job and have not been able to catch any major election stealers in 85 years. That would mean they are incompetent and should not hold the Office.
2. There is FRAUD, but they are aware of it, know about it, and have been covering it up for all of these years. That would mean they are corrupt and not only shouldn't hold the Office, but should be in prison.
3. They know there is no significant fraud in Nebraska elections, but still scream about FRAUD, and point to the Democrats as the perpetrators. That would mean they are liars and corrupt and not only should they not hold the Office, they should be in prison.
Those 3 options don't paint the current leadership of the Republican Party, and the previous Secretaries of State, in very good light. Scott Petersen is an important part of the current Republican leadership, and the previous Secretaries of State have been Republicans for the last 85 years.
Democrats have proven that they are unelectable to this office. 85 years losing seems to be a trend. I am running as the only true alternative to the Republican Leadership and Scott Petersen.
Please vote on November 3, 2026. I hope I will have earned your vote by then.
Leadership Failure
Actions speak louder than words
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Republican Party leaders continue to signal that their goal is to take control away from Nebraska. Their actions outweigh their empty speech and false promises of their candidates.
Republicans can’t keep pushing the blame on “others”
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January 8, 1941 was the last time a non-Republican held the office of Nebraska Secretary of State. Lack of transparency and security surrounding Nebraska’s past elections are the fault of Republican leaders.
Republicans have failed in Leadership
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The Republican Party has abandoned the working people of Nebraska. Nebraska needs an alternative beyond just the unelectable Democratic Party candidates to vote for. They have lost our trust.
Party Puppet
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My opponent, Scott Petersen is a figurehead of the Nebraska Republican Party and part of their leadership. He currently serves as Republican Vice Chair of Nebraska’s Second Congressional District and is a member of the Nebraska Republican Party Executive Committee. Petersen previously chaired the Douglas County Republican Party and was a National Delegate to the 2024 Republican National Convention. Voting for him is voting to allow faceless bureaucrats and political party leaders to determine, in back rooms and secret meetings, Nebraskans' right to determine their own elections. Scott Petersen’s loyalty is to the Republican Party and billionaires, not the working people of Nebraska.
Nebraska Autonomy
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Determining who is eligible to vote in Nebraska should not be controlled by a nameless bureaucrat or unelected official in DC or any other state. California, New York, and Florida don’t have the right to tell us how we hold our elections.
Right to Privacy
The Republican National Party wants to create a list of all Nebraskan's names and political associations. They want to have this list to be able to take action against those who do not conform to the National Party.
Government Overreach
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There are three things the federal government does not need and doesn’t have a right to. They want these lists for use by faceless and unelected decision makers in bureaucratic backrooms in DC and “power brokers’ in New York and California.
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A list of gun owners
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A list of political ideology/party
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A list of who uses legal marijuana
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ELECTION TRANSPARENCY AND SECURITY: I will provide Nebraska's County Election Offices with the best training, support, and tools to run fair, safe, and auditable elections built around the actual historical needs of each county, not scare tactics from outside agitators.
Our current election operations are in good shape, possibly a little out of date but the framwork is strong. We do not need to send an agitator to Lincoln to the Secretary of State's Office to flip tables and tear everything apart and "accidentally lose voter data".
I will fight, through every legal avenue, to keep our elections free and fair. I will claw back control of our voter data from outside party officials and unelected bureaucrats.
Republicans are playing games with our votes. The Republican party spent an insane amount of Nebraska tax-payers' money in an attempt to change how our state counts Electoral College votes. All the Republican leadership did is sow confusion, and show they will do the bidding of faceless "Power Brokers" from D.C. no matter how much it costs Nebraskans.
There is no benefit of “Winner-Take-All” for the great citizens of Nebraska, just for the national party leaders. In 1992, our state switched to awarding 1 Electoral College vote to the winner of each Congressional Districts. This was put in place to protect the more rural western part of the state in Congressional District 3.
The Republican Leadership in Nebraska have been trying to dismantle it since the change. Why? Because the National Party doesn't like it.
Using the office of Secretary of State, I will champion keeping our voices in Presidential elections by fighting every attempt to go back to "Winner-Take-All".
Accountability from the Office of Secretary of State is essential to maintaining public confidence in the state's elections.
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Enforce election laws consistently, regardless of political party, candidate, or jurisdiction.
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Respond promptly to credible complaints and publicly explain how significant issues are investigated and resolved
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Clearly communicate corrections or problems rather than minimizing or concealing mistakes.
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Hold election officials accountable when established procedures are not followed.
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Publish timely information and data that allow the public, candidates, and election observers to understand and verify the process.
In short, accountability means being willing to show the public what was done, why it was done, and what steps were taken when something went wrong.
Republican Party Left Me Behind...
This isn't the Party of Lincoln or Reagan anymore:
As a former registered Republican, I left the party and registered as non-partisan when I moved back to Nebraska from South Dakota in 2009. Like many others, I have felt that the Republican Party has and continues to leave voters like me behind, and I no longer see my values portrayed by the leadership of that party both in Nebraska and nationally.
Being a Republican used to be about:
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Small government. There was a distinct line for what was the responsibility of the State, and of the federal government.
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Now East Coast Republican "Decision Makers" are trying to place all of the power into the federal government.
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Free-market capitalism and private enterprise.
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The party emphasized entrepreneurship, private ownership, competition, and reducing government regulation.
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Strong national defense and supporting our military.
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The party advocated substantial military strength, nuclear deterrence, technological superiority, and the policy summarized as "peace through strength."
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Now the Republican Party leadership on D.C., New York, and Florida won't even staff the V.A. and fail to make sure those that stood up and served are taken care of.
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If you listen to the Republicans in D.C and the Republican National Committe you won't hear talk like this anymore. They no longer even give lip service to these ideals. They are all about consolidating power in the hands of a few chosen "leaders"
The “2 Party” system as we now have has done nothing except make us more divided and ramp up the rhetoric to dangerous levels. I have always thought that George Washington was correct in his assessment of political parties, best said during his Farewell Address on September 19, 1796.
“However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.” - George Washington
and a lot of other Nebraskans too.
So, what are we to do my fellow Nebraskans? Do you also look at what the national Republican Party is doing, and look around wondering what happened?
I find myself constantly bewildered as I see what the so-called leadership of the Republican Party is doing locally and nationally.
If you have been a true Republican your whole life and can't or won't vote for a Democrat, what options do you have?
As someone who feels thrown aside by the Republican Party, I am standing up and offering you a choice. I know many of you grew up with the Republican Party being the default in your house and community. I know why voting for a Democrat feels wrong.
I have been fortunate enough to be nominated to run for Nebraska Secretary of State, not as a Republican and not as a Democrat, but as a true third option. I firmly believe that this is the first step to holding the corrupt puppet masters in the dark backrooms pulling the strings on the current Republican Party leadership accountable. The Republican Party used to hold the values of so many of us here in the Midwest and Nebraska, and it just doesn't anymore.
Economic & Working Needs
Nebraska’s Power
We are not a state that wants handouts.
Nebraska was built on the business of beef, corn, soy beans, feed grains, and manufacturing.
I plan on addressing the critical economic challenges facing Nebraskans. By focusing on economic protection and growth, we ensure that every worker's voice, small business' needs, and our Ag business partners are heard and their financial future is strengthened and secured.
My approach prioritizes communication and partnership, creating a robust foundation for a thriving state economy that serves the needs of all working people.
The Secretary of State’s multifaceted role remains central to supporting business growth and fostering international connections.
Embracing Technology and Modernization
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Increase modernization for registering new businesses, including sole proprietorships, family businesses, and corporations
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Embracing the latest technology to make the process less stressful for Nebraskans
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Occupational licensing modernization
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Regulation and oversight of collection agencies and debt management services to ensure that Nebraskans are protected from aggressive actions that bend or break the rules
Nebraska Businesses and People are Hurting
Nebraska and Nebraskans face tough battles right now. The path of the Republican Party leadership has led to completely avoidable troubles for Nebraska businesses, ranchers, farmers, and the people who work for a living.
Continuing and Expanding Promotion of Commerce with Other Countries
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Use and strengthen trade and investment agreements and missions
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Bringing Nebraska to the world
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In todays uncertain markets, we have to be inventive and forward thinking as we walk the path of uncertain and changing tariffs with our best trading partners
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Strengthening markets for Nebraska’s agricultural products, manufacturing, water management technologies and other industries
Investing in our students is investing in the integrity of our democracy.
YOUTH CIVICS EDUCATION: The Secretary of State is the state's main advisor on youth civics education. Preparing Nebraska's young people, from preschool through university, for life inside and outside of Nebraska is a responsibility I will not take lightly.
Continuing and building opportunities for education and cultural exchanges with other countries is an important responsibility of the Secretary of State's Office.
As Nebraskans voting today, we have a sacred responsibility to improve Nebraska for our children. Ensuring that the next generation of Nebraskans understand the power of their vote and the history of our civic institutions and processes is an awesome responsibility that doesn't get talked about enough. I want to increase comprehensive civic education, in addition to our schools, providing the tools and knowledge to engage young voters early. We need to build a foundation in the youth to eventually have a more resilient and transparent government. Our focus is on empowering students with the knowledge and access they need to participate fully in our democracy.