After 1860, Republicans dominated state elections in Nebraska for 30 years.

[6][4] Despite this, Republicans have held a majority in the state legislature for several decades.

In December 2009, the party organized a nationwide effort to unseat Democratic Senator Ben Nelson in 2012 under the theme "Give Ben The Boot".

The party endorsed opponents to Don Bacon, Adrian Smith and Pete Ricketts and did not endorse Deb Fischer nor Mike Flood in their races.

[8] All incumbents prevailed by large margins in their primary races; the closest was Bacon with a 24-point difference.