The establishment of more elected local officials helps bolster Nebraska efforts in future elections, not just by building a bench but by giving residents a chance to evaluate Democratic policies on the ground.

It also means future candidates running for state offices will have friendly local faces where they need them going forward.

The candidates, who ran on many issues, including environmental and city structure, had reason to celebrate. While turnout in spring elections tends to be low, the feeling among activists is that the numbers of Democratic turnout was significantly improved.

This could be a good sign for many races around the country this fall.

More about Nebraska Democratic Party here.