Endorsements
2026 Candidates
The Steady State endorses candidates for Congress, Governor, and other national-security-relevant offices who show a consistent commitment to the rule of law regardless of party, support nonpartisan oversight of the Executive Branch, and understand the security challenges facing the country. Endorsed candidates must also uphold democratic norms — the peaceful transfer of power, rejection of political violence, and defense of civil liberties including a free press and the right to dissent. The Steady State does not endorse candidates who have worked to subvert democratic institutions, discredited the security community without evidence, or promoted disinformation or extremism.
Chris Backemeyer (NE-01)
Chris Backemeyer is running to represent Nebraska’s First Congressional District after a career in diplomacy, sanctions policy, and national-security policymaking. He served in senior State Department and National Security Council roles focused on Iran, sanctions, Middle East diplomacy, and regional security. At the White House, Backemeyer served as NSC Director for Iran, advising senior national-security decision makers on Iran policy. At the State Department, he served in senior roles including Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iranian Affairs and helped represent the United States in P5+1 Iran nuclear negotiations, including work as a lead sanctions negotiator. His experience gives him a substantive national-security profile rooted in diplomacy, sanctions implementation, interagency policy, and high-stakes negotiations.