Kristi Egger has announced her bid for reelection in 2026 to continue serving as the head of the Lancaster County Public Defender’s Office.
After advancing past Democrat incumbent Joe Nigro in the 2022 primary, Egger parried republican challenger Trevin Preble in the general election to become the first woman in county history to hold the position.
A native of the Firth/Hickman area, Egger graduated from Norris High School and earned her law degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law. She worked as a clerk in the Lancaster County Public Defender’s Office during school, and after a year at the Public Defender’s Office in Hall County, she returned to Lancaster where she has worked for 36 years.
“I didn’t run for Public Defender in 2022 because of ego, money, or prestige. I ran because I love our Office and believe in our mission. My entire career has been based on dedication, not ambition. This is why I am running in 2026,” Egger told KLIN News.
Currently, no candidates have announced intentions to challenge Egger. For more information on her campaign, visit kristiegger.org.