Eric Underwood

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Eric Underwood

Republican Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 3, 2020

Education

Bachelor's

University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 2003

Personal

Birthplace

Lincoln, Neb.

Religion

Christian

Profession

General manager and business owner

Contact

Campaign website

Eric Underwood (Republican Party) ran for election to the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners to represent District 2 in Nebraska. He lost in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Underwood completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. Click here to read the survey answers.

In July 2022, Underwood was elected as the chair of the Republican Party of Nebraska. He served through the 2022 and 2024 election cycles.

Biography

Eric Underwood was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln in 2003. His professional experience includes working as the general manager and co-owner of Rodizio Grill. Underwood began serving on the Haymarket Board of Directors in 2017. He has also served on the State and Local Board for Children's Evangelism Fellowship (CEF).

Elections

2020

See also: Municipal elections in Lancaster County, Nebraska (2020)

General election

General election for Lancaster County Board of Commissioners District 2

Incumbent Christa Yoakum defeated Eric Underwood in the general election for Lancaster County Board of Commissioners District 2 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Christa Yoakum (D)	52.7	11,775
		Eric Underwood (R)	47.2	10,549
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	37

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 22,361
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Christa Yoakum advanced from the Democratic primary for Lancaster County Board of Commissioners District 2.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Eric Underwood advanced from the Republican primary for Lancaster County Board of Commissioners District 2.

Endorsements

To view Underwood's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Eric Underwood completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Underwood's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Eric Underwood is currently the General Manager and Co-Owner of Rodizio Grill, the Brazilian Steakhouse in Lincoln. Eric is married to wife Keri, and they have five children ages three to 13

He attended Malcolm public schools and graduated from Malcolm High School in 1997. He is a 2003 graduate of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. His education was a Bachelor of Arts - Emphasis on Performance. Underwood has served on the Haymarket Board of Directors since 2017 and is in his second term.

He serves on the State and Local Board for Children's Evangelism Fellowship (CEF)

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• My #1 priority is to lower property taxes, but I want to insure there is funding for all the services that the County provides.
• Repairing or replacing rural roads and bridges are a top priority for my district as well as giving a defining voice to farmers and agriculture.
• Affordable housing was a concern for many Lancaster residents.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

County government provides many critical services that people depend upon. Setting priorities, finding efficiencies, and keeping taxes low should be the focus of every county board member. I want to find solutions to lower property taxes. I want to find the right balance for funding Lancaster County and proactively growing the community through affordable housing, public safety, and a focus on infrastructure.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I have three simple beliefs for this campaign.

1. I believe an elected official needs to be CONNECTED to the community in which they represent.

2. I believe that by being connected to the community an elected official is better prepared to SERVE their community.

3. I believe a better prepared elected official gives a VOICE to their community.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

County government provides many critical services that people depend upon. Setting priorities, finding efficiencies, and keeping taxes low should be the focus of every county board member. I want to find solutions to lower property taxes. I want to find the right balance for funding Lancaster County and proactively growing the community through affordable housing, public safety, and a focus on infrastructure.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked for George at the Gourmet Grill on 14th and O St. I've always had a passion for serving people. I worked for him for about two years, I believe

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

The county board has a greater impact on resident's lives and can set a standard for taxation principles. Specifically, The five-person board manages county funds, oversees county property, adopts annual budgets, administering several programs established by state law, as well as sets tax levies and salaries of elected and appointed county officials.

Commissioners are elected to four-year terms and typically meet twice a week, at 9 a.m. Tuesdays for a televised business meeting and 8:30 a.m. Thursdays for a staff meeting.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

No, I believe the best experience is from showing a passion for people and focusing on details. I have always found joy in serving a community and growing relationships. Coupling the human element with a business mindset that leans towards efficiency and efficacy from all parts of government, I will put my efforts toward finding solutions. I can guarantee that. I am confident that my passion for people and serving my community will far outweigh my opponent. I am driven to find

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

I have been running/managing and even starting my own business for 20+ years which gives me experience in financial projections and budgeting. My Bachelor of Arts degree gives me the foundation of the human element and communicating with people. I thrive in creating lasting relationships and serving those around me. Further, I belong to three non-profit boards and I have experience working with others to meet goals and communicating solutions effectively.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

See also

2020 Elections

What's on the ballot? U.S. President U.S. Congress U.S. Congress special elections State executives State legislatures State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards Election analysis hub

Government

Who represents me? U.S. Congress State executives State legislators State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards

Newsletters

Coronavirus Weekly Updates Documenting America's Path to Recovery The Heart of the Primaries The Daily Brew The Weekly Brew The Ballot Bulletin Checks and Balances Economy and Society Hall Pass Number of the Day Robe & Gavel Union Station

External links

• Search Google News for this topic