Please plan to attend the Washington County Republican Party meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026 beginning at 7:00 PM at the American Legion in Ft Calhoun. We will be helping Republicans sign up to be delegates to the 2026 County Convention using the new online method.
Conservative Republican Ted Japp is running for District 16 Legislature to replace term-limited Senator Ben Hansen.
Over 70 area Republicans attended the Congressman Adrian Smith and Senator Ben Hansen event in Ft Calhoun on the evening of Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the Northern Lights Venue. The Washington County Republican Party is very thankful for the owners of Northern Lights for letting us use their wonderful facility for this event. Senator Ben Hansen discussed the current Legislative session and answered questions regarding bills being introduced. Ted Japp is running to replace term-limited Senator Hansen also addressed the crowd. Carson Clayton updated folks on Congressman Smith. Unfortunately Congressman Smith’s flight was delayed many hours due to a snowstorm in Detroit. Other Republican office holders and candidates attending were County Supervisors Steve Dethlefs, Steve Kruger and Kevin Barnhill. County Clerk Barb Sullivan. Ft Calhoun Mayor and Sheriff’s candidate Mitch Robinson. Sheriff’s candidate Brian Beckman. Blair School Board member Courtney Tabor. The entire Washington County Planning Commission attended as well.
The registration process has been changed by the Secretary of State’s office and the Nebraska Legislature. You can only register to be a delegate to your 2026 Washington County Convention by clicking on the link below or using the QR Code. There is a refundable registration fee of $5. (You can no longer register at the County Clerk’s office).
*PLEASE REGISTER NOW to be a delegate to the Washington County Republican Party 2026 Convention.
2026 County Delegate Registration Form
he 2025 WCRP Christmas party was a wonderful gathering at Too Far North in Ft Calhoun. Ted Japp addressed the group with his announcement of running for State Senate seat LD16 to replace Senator Ben Hansen who is term-limited. NEGOP Chair Mary Jane Truemper also spoke. Sheriff candidates Kevin Willis for Sheriff, Mitch Robinson and Brian Beckman mingled with guests as well. Other elected Republicans attending were Sheriff Mike Robinson, County Attorney Scott Vander Schaaf, Washington County Supervisors Lisa Kramer and Steve Dethlefs Fort Calhoun Mayor Senator Ben Hansen.
To see more photos from the Christmas Party click to the WCRP Facebook page HERE
WASHINGTON COUNTY, NE – Ted Japp, a longtime Washington County resident, small-business owner, and advocate for limited government and conservative values, announced today that he will run for Nebraska Legislative District 16. The seat is currently held by Senator Ben Hansen of Blair, who is unable to seek re-election due to term-limits. District 16 includes Washington, Burt, and Cuming counties and part of Stanton county.
A fifth-generation Washington County resident, Japp was raised on a dairy farm near Kennard and graduated from Bennington High School before attending Peru State College and the University of Nebraska – Kearney. He went on to earn his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern College of Chiropractic—graduating first in his class—and served in private practice for 33 years.
“I’m running because Nebraska needs effective, limited government—government that protects our freedoms, supports families, and stays out of the way, so people can succeed through their own hard work,” Japp said. “Common sense must guide our decisions. People truly want life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and I intend to work every day to protect those ideals.”
Japp previously served on the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board of Directors (Papio NRD), elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, representing Washington, Dakota, and parts of Burt, Thurston, and Douglas counties. He chose not to seek re-election in 2024. Japp is also a member of the Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association, a former church board member, and past president of the Lions Club.
“My priorities are clear: defend the unborn, protect our 2nd Amendment rights, support limited and transparent government, and stand up for the most vulnerable including those with developmental disabilities who too often lack a strong voice,” Japp added. “I will listen to the people of this district, work hard, and provide steady, principled leadership.”
Japp and his wife, Lori, have three children and three grandchildren. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys Bible studies, preaching at his local church, managing his family farm, and hunting and fishing.
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Please plan to attend the Washington County Republican Party Christmas party on Monday, December 15, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Too Far North in Ft Calhoun. Drink tickets provided with hors d’oeuvres.
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT AT THE PARTY**
Please plan to attend the Washington County Republican Party Central Committee meeting on Monday, September 22, 2025 at the Blair Public Library in Blair. Meeting begins at 7:00 PM.
Washington Count Sheriff candidates Brian Beckman for Sheriff , Kevin Willis for Sheriff and Mitch Robinson for Sheriff pose in front of the WCRP booth at the 2025 Washington County Chamber of Commerce Business & Brews event. Candidates met with folks to discuss their visions for the future of the Washington County law enforcement. Candidate fliers were distributed at the WCRP booth. Thanks much to volunteers Lisa Kramer, Jake Bettin and Kent Van Horn.
(L to R: Kevin Willis, Brian Beckman, Mitch Robinson)
© 2025 Washington County Republican Party:
