A potential Democratic challenger in the Douglas County sheriff race filed an appeal to the Nebraska Supreme Court over his removal from the ballot.
Mark Martinez’s eligibility was called into question last week by the Douglas County Republican Party. The group cited a Nebraska law the party alleges requires candidates for sheriff to possess an active peace officer certificate. Despite decades in law enforcement, the county GOP alleged that Martinez no longer had an active law enforcement certificate.
Douglas County Election Commissioner Danielle Jensen declared last week that Martinez does not qualify to run for the position.
Martinez’s campaign pushed back, saying the 2024 statute referenced in the party’s complaint doesn’t specify that the law enforcement certificate must belong to an active law enforcement officer.
Reached by phone Tuesday, Jensen declined to comment on the decision, citing the pending litigation.
In a press release, Martinez’s campaign highlighted his years of service that include decades with the Omaha Police Department, followed by years as the U.S. Marshal for the District of Nebraska.
“Our democratic process relies on the voters having a voice,” Martinez said in the press release. “We are confident the court will recognize the legal merits of our case, correct this flawed ruling, and restore my name to the ballot.”
Martinez’s campaign manager said the team anticipates a decision from the Nebraska Supreme Court by Wednesday. If he’s able to move forward, Martinez would face off against incumbent Republican Sheriff Aaron Hanson, who was elected in 2022.