Progressive journalist Austin Ahlmann declared his run for Congress as an independent in Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District on Thursday. He’ll be challenging the current U.S. Representative Mike Flood (R-Neb.) and Democratic candidate Chris Bachmeyer.
Ahlmann, who works with the progressive outlet The Intercept, made his announcement shortly after both of his opponents secured their spots in the primaries.
Flood took office after winning a special election last year. Bachmeyer is a former State Department official, having served under President Barack Obama, and acted as a special advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris on national security matters.
Ahlmann didn’t hold back in criticizing Bachmeyer, labeling him a “monster of the Washington, D.C. establishment.” He also expressed skepticism about the differences between Bachmeyer and Flood.
“I confronted big corporations that are hollowing out the country. I exposed the corruption of politicians who are crushing us and selling us out. I don’t think they can say that,” Ahlmann stated in an interview.
He further emphasized his working-class roots and positioned himself as an outsider compared to his opponents, who he believes are entrenched in the establishment.
In the 2022 special election, Flood won by a five-point margin and followed that with even more significant wins in the general elections. He claimed victories of 15 points in 2022 and over 20 points in 2024. Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District leans Republican, according to the Cook Political Report.
Cook notes that for Democrats to have a chance in this district, there would need to be low Republican turnout paired with strong Democratic turnout. Ahlmann’s independent candidacy adds a twist to this dynamic, with some Nebraska political figures suggesting he could potentially divide the vote.
Nebraska Democratic Party Chairwoman Jane Cleave expressed concern, saying, “Mike Flood lost this race, and splitting his vote with a third-party candidate will not help.” She argued the people of Nebraska need stable leadership and pointed to Bachmeyer as the right choice.
Bachmeyer is also focused on unseating Flood to combat what he calls harmful policies like President Trump’s tariffs and healthcare cuts.
Flood’s campaign, meanwhile, views Ahlmann’s entry as a disadvantage for Democrats, suggesting he’s attempting to disrupt their efforts. A spokesperson for Flood said that while his opponents are caught up in their rivalry, Flood will keep pushing for progress for Nebraskans.
Fox News Digital has reached out for comments from the campaigns of Ahlmann, Bachmeyer, and Flood.
