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Hoagland Lecture Series
Perspectives on the 2026 Midterm Elections
September 16, 2026 • Sheldon Museum of Art • 5:00 p.m.
This year's event brings together experts from political communications, investigative reporting, political consulting, and academia to present a panel discussion about the 2026 midterm elections. Come and join the conversation about the forces shaping the elections and what is at stake for both the Democratic and Republican parties and the American people. This event is free and open to the public.
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Jim Crounse
Recognized as one of the top Democratic mail consultants in the country, Crounse has produced winning and creative political direct mail for over 35 years.
John Hibbing
The Emeritus Foundation Regents University Professor of Political Science taught for 42 years and focused his research on American politics and the influence of genetics and biology on people’s political orientations.
Ryan Horn
After over a decade in commercial advertising and communications, Horn returned to the political media in 2012 and founded Bullhorn Communications in 2019.
Joe Jordan
Jordan's nationally acclaimed career in journalism spans over five decades. He launched Nebraska Watchdog in 2009, joined News Channel Nebraska in 2017, and retired in 2024.
The Peter J. Hoagland Integrity in Public Service Lecture Series honors the former second district congressman's legacy and seeks to inspire young people to dedicate themselves to public service.
Each lecture features state and national leaders who prove that honor and integrity remain essential components in their service to our country.
Launched in 2008, the series rotates between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Previous Speakers
2023
Amy Walter
Political analyst and publisher of 'The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter'.
2013
Jim Messina and Jeff Zeleny
Deputy chief of staff and campaign manager for President Barack Obama, and CNN senior White House correspondent (respectively).
2009
David Axelrod
Political consultant and analyst and adviser to President Obama during the 2008 election.
2008
Ted Sorensen
Former speechwriter and counselor to President John F. Kennedy.
About Peter Hoagland
Peter Hoagland, an Omaha native, graduated from Stanford University in 1963 and from Yale Law School in 1968. He served as a Nebraska state senator before winning a U.S. House of Representatives seat in 1988. He served three terms before losing by less than 1 percent of the vote to John Christensen in 1994.
Prior to being elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 1978, Hoagland worked with Nebraska Common Cause to write and pass into law the Nebraska Open Meetings Law. In addition, he helped to create the Political Accountability and Disclosure Committee, which regulates political activity in Nebraska.
While in the state legislature, Hoagland was known for his work on legislation supporting environmental causes and on issues affecting financial service companies in his home district which included Omaha and the surrounding area.
During his time in Congress, Hoagland was known as a student of the issues and for his bipartisan approach to legislation. He was placed on the Ways and Means Committee out of respect for his legislative ability.
He died Oct. 30, 2007, at age 65 from complications of Parkinson's disease.