Republican Gov. Jim Pillen won reelection Tuesday in Nebraska’s gubernatorial race, according to an Associated Press projection issued shortly before 2 a.m. Wednesday.
Pillen was running against Democratic nominee Lynne Walz, Legalize Marijuana Now candidate Rick Beard and America First Party candidate Brett Lindstrom. Walz had not conceded as of 2 a.m. Wednesday.
The race
Pillen, who began his first term in 2023, made children, taxes and agriculture central themes of his campaign. He also said a priority for a second term would be overseeing a reduction in Nebraska’s state income tax rate.
His first term included efforts involving spending reductions and property tax relief while the state managed a strained budget. Pillen has described his approach to state government as running it like a business, emphasizing improved services, lower costs and increased efficiency.
- Jim Pillen: The Republican incumbent was projected to win a second term.
- Lynne Walz: The Democratic nominee and former teacher served eight years in the Nebraska Legislature.
- Rick Beard: The Legalize Marijuana Now candidate sought to become Nebraska’s first governor from that party and supported a state-run cannabis program.
- Brett Lindstrom: The America First Party candidate described his platform as stability, opportunity and stewardship.
Campaign priorities
Walz identified property tax relief for homeowners as her top priority but said Nebraska first needed to address its budget shortfall. Her background includes teaching and eight years of service in the Legislature.
Pillen also listed education, public safety, agricultural economic development and attracting more federal funding to Nebraska among his priorities. He received endorsements from President Donald Trump and other Republican leaders during the campaign.
Beard’s campaign centered on establishing a state cannabis program. Lindstrom, a former Omaha state senator who had previously been a Republican, ran under the America First Party banner.
