By Marisa Dawson, Courtesy Photos
Two candidates will advance to the general election in Nebraska Legislative District 18 following the Tuesday, May 12 primary election, with Jess Goldoni and Taylor Royal securing the top two spots in a three-person race that also included Derek Schwartz.
Goldoni and Royal will now move on to the general election as voters decide who will fill the open state legislature seat representing District 18.
Goldoni said the primary results reflected voters’ desire for a different approach to representation. “This result means the voters of District 18 are ready for something different,” Goldoni said. “We ran this campaign the right way, door by door, conversation by conversation, and the voters responded.”
She added that the campaign plans to continue building momentum heading into the general election. “The general election starts now and we’re not slowing down,” Goldoni said. “There are thousands of voters across this district I haven’t met yet, and I’m looking forward to knocking on their doors, hearing what matters to them, and earning their vote the same way we earned this one.”
According to Goldoni, conversations with voters throughout the district centered largely around affordability, education funding, and government spending. “People are tired of being talked at and ready to be listened to,” she said. “When I knock on a door and ask what matters, I hear the same things, property taxes are too high, schools need support, and families are stretching every dollar while the state keeps handing out sweetheart deals to corporations.”
As the race moves into its next phase, Goldoni said her priorities remain focused on property tax relief, public school funding, public safety, and government accountability. “Those aren’t going to change because the issues families are dealing with haven’t changed,” she said.
Goldoni also extended a message to voters who may have supported another candidate during the primary. “If you supported someone else in the primary, I respect that, and I’d love the chance to have a conversation,” she said. “Ask me the tough questions. Challenge me. Tell me what matters to you.”
Royal described the primary outcome as both encouraging and motivating for his campaign moving forward. “The result is humbling and energizing,” Royal said. “My campaign has always been about engaging directly with Nebraskans in LD18 and I believe the result shows that voters are ready for a professional, results-oriented approach to state government.”
Royal said voters responded positively to what he described as an authentic campaign focused on affordability and modernization. “Voters have responded to authenticity and a positive vision for where Nebraska can go next,” Royal said. “People want leaders who will listen, work hard, and focus on the real issues affecting families and businesses.”
Looking ahead to the general election, Royal said his campaign plans to continue emphasizing affordability, economic growth, and unity throughout the district. “Our focus now is expanding the conversation and continuing to earn the trust of voters across the district,” he said. “We’ll continue talking about affordability for seniors and working families, driving economic growth in our state, providing good opportunities for Nebraskans, and bringing unity to the district.”
Royal also addressed voters who did not support him in the primary, saying he hopes to continue building trust across the district. “Whether you supported me or not, I want every voter to know that I take their concerns seriously and want to earn their trust,” Royal said. “I’ll continue listening, showing up, and working to represent the entire district with excellence and respect.”
Both candidates pointed to their business experience and community involvement as strengths heading into the general election campaign.
Goldoni said she believes her experience as a small business owner and her background in artificial intelligence position her to address future challenges facing Nebraska. “I have the business experience to fight waste, the AI expertise to prepare Nebraska for what’s coming, and the work ethic to show up every single day,” she said.
Royal said his campaign is centered on long-term planning and service to Nebraska families. “My goal is to serve with energy, transparency, and a long-term vision that puts Nebraska families and communities at the front,” Royal said.
