District details

Dover became a legislator in 2022 when then-Gov. Pete Ricketts appointed him to replace Mike Flood, who was elected to the U.S. House. Flood has endorsed Dover, as has NU Regent Jim Scheer. Reigle has endorsements from the Nebraska GOP, Pierce County GOP and Madison Mayor Rob Fite. The Nebraska Farm Bureau endorsed both candidates. 

Dover, a Norfolk native, works at the family real estate business Coldwell Banker Dover Realtors and manages Dover Management Company. He also started a construction and a land development company and a title and escrow company, according to his campaign website. 

Reigle and her husband own and operate Reigle Cattle Company, a third generation feedlot founded in the 1950. Her campaign website pitches her as a “common-sense outsider” with conservative principles: lower taxes, less government and fiscal responsibility. She lives in Madison.

Both candidates have brought in six figures, with Dover holding a slight advantage. He raised $122,379 and had $18,411 on hand as of June. Reigle raised $117,950 and had $11,448 on hand.

On the issues

Neither candidate responded to the Flatwater Free Press questionnaire. At a local forum, Reigle said she is open to the EPIC tax initiative, which would replace income, property and inheritance taxes with a 7.5% consumption tax, according to the Norfolk Daily News. She said Nebraska should decrease spending. Dover said he does not support increasing sales tax and pointed to his work to reduce spending. On his reelection website, he boasts his work to secure a massive tax relief package. 

Both said Nebraska farmers already preserve natural resources well, and they believe any legislation regarding agriculture production and conservation should prioritize clean drinking water. 

Dover on his website expressed support for legislation limiting K-12 sports participation and bathroom usage to a student’s gender at birth. Among other key issues, Dover pointed to road improvements, quality education and support for law enforcement.

In a press release, Reigle pledged “to stand against liberal radicals and federal overreach.” In addition to reducing property taxes, she wants to remove trade barriers, enhance access to precision ag technology and improve rural broadband connectivity.

Both said they oppose abortion and would defend the Second Amendment.

Location

The district covers all of Madison County and the southern half of Pierce County. 

In the primary

Dover received 36% of the votes and Reigle received 39%. The remaining 25% of the votes went to nonpartisan candidate Melissa Temple.