On February 1, 2019, Ann Ferlic, his wife, announced that she would for the Democratic nomination in Nebraska's 2nd congressional district. During the primary campaign Ann was endorsed by former Senators Ben Nelson and Bob Kerrey and former Lieutenant Governor Kim M. Robak. Ann also claimed that she was the only electable candidate citing Eastman's defeat to Bacon in 2018. In the Democratic primary, Eastman easily defeated Ann with over sixty percent of the popular vote. After Ann's defeat in the Democratic primary the Ashfords declined to endorse Eastman. In October, Ashford endorsed his former rival Bacon over Eastman.