Lincoln, NE — Jay Pitts announced Monday his candidacy for the 2026 Lancaster County sheriff’s race, challenging current Chief Deputy Ben Houchin. Pitts said his decision to run was influenced by encouragement from family, friends, community members, and elected officials.
“For 51 years I’ve been here a citizen of Lancaster County my whole life. To represent my community, you know I’ve always called myself the community protector, to have that role as sheriff, if they say I have all the tools necessary, let’s go for it,” said Pitts.
Pitts began his career in law enforcement in 1995 at the Lincoln Police Department, following in the footsteps of his father. “He was kind of who I looked up to. That’s your little kid dream, you know your dad’s your hero,” he said…