Dr. Brian Maher, Nebraska’s current Commissioner of Education, announced today he is ending his campaign for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, citing family and professional obligations.
Below is Maher’s full statement on his decision.
“After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that now is not the right time for me to pursue an elected office. As a result, I will not pursue a seat on the Board of Regents in the 2026 election. I am not a politician–I’m a lifelong educator who wants to make a difference. The simple reality is that I underestimated the amount of time and attention running a campaign would take.
Time away from my family is non-negotiable for me. Furthermore, as Commissioner of Education and Chair of the School Financing Review Commission, my campaign for Regent was distracting to the education issues that demand my laser focus. I want to thank my wife Peg, my family and friends, and the countless Nebraskans who have already lent their incredible support to my campaign. I know this is not the outcome you all envisioned when we launched this campaign, and I humbly ask for your understanding of this deeply personal decision.
As we move forward, I remain committed to the students and families of Nebraska. It is an honor to be the Commissioner of Education in Nebraska, and together, I look forward to helping Nebraska students achieve great success!”
Maher was running to succeed Regent Tim Clare, who announced he would not be seeking a 4th term on the board after 18 years of service. The District 1 seat on the NU Board of Regents covers the northern half of Lancaster County.
Prior to dropping out, Maher landed the unanimous endorsement of the Nebraska State Board of Education, specifically from all eight members — 4 Democrats and 4 Republicans.
Maher was the registered Republican, running in the technically non-partisan race. This leaves Brent Comstock—the 30-year-old founder of the Lincoln-based multi-million dollar marketing firm BCom—as the sole candidate in the race.
Comstock issued the following statement in response of Maher’s decision Thursday:
“I just spoke with Commissioner Maher on the phone to discuss the suspension of his campaign. He’s dedicated his life to educating young Nebraskans and I know we have a shared interest in seeing the University—and our entire state—succeed. I thank him for the time and dedication he’s put into this campaign,” Comstock said. “As commissioner, Dr. Maher is focused on the critical issues facing our students and schools. “I look forward to working with him and other leaders across our state to ensure the University of Nebraska remains a strong partner for Nebraska families, communities and businesses.”
Northern Lancaster County residents will elect Clare’s successor on November 3, 2026.