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Governor

4-yr term, limited to 2 terms, $105,000 Gov/$75,000 Lt. Gov (2026)The Governor of Nebraska is an elected constitutional officer, the head of the executive branch and the highest state office in Nebraska. The governor is popularly elected every four years by a plurality and is limited to two consecutive terms with at least one term intervening before the same individual may seek the office again. The Lieutenant Governor is the second ranking officer of the executive branch and the first officer in line to succeed the governor.

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    Rick Beard
    (LMN)

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    James J. Charvat III
    (LMN)

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    Sal Holguin
    (Rep)

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    Sheila J. Korth-Focken
    (Rep)

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    Larry Marvin
    (Dem)

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    Jim Pillen
    (Rep)

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    Gary L Rogge
    (Rep)

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    Jacy Todd
    (Rep)

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    John Walz
    (Rep)

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    Lynne Walz
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

How would you manage the state budget while protecting services that support Nebraska families and communities?

What is your approach to balancing states’ rights and federal authority?

How would you pitch Nebraska to a business looking to locate here?

Describe your top three Nebraska values.

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Education Dairy Queen School
Current Public Office, dates None
Past Public Office, dates held None
Military experience Grandparents
Volunteer experience Children’s Miracle Network
The best way to manage a budget is to increase the cash flow by generating more revenue. A budget is very difficult to follow during times when our government prints money and we are in $40 trillion of debt. Rather than managing the budget I’d consider other income streams to offset deficit spending and better invest our money, long-term for a higher return to pay off debt and put more money back in our people’s pocket.
I believe Nebraska is Ground Zero for federal change. If my vision can come true in the state of Nebraska, there’s no reason it can’t prosper throughout the United States.
I don’t enjoy the idea of pitching Nebraska I believe companies understand the values of our citizens and will choose to be here for the kind hearts of our people. Truly western Nebraska is under represented and underfunded rather than pitching for businesses to relocate here I would rather invest more and who is already here and grow it from the inside out that will attract anyone and everyone once we become a thriving population.
My top three Nebraska values are peace, presence, and a good strong heart.
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Education Bachelor's degree from University of Nebraska - Omaha
Volunteer experience Founder, Scott Scholar Mentoring Program (UNO); co-lead of Sunset Hills Neighborhood Association (Omaha); executive committee member of Student Information Systems-University of Nebraska
X and/or Bluesky Handle Sheila4Governor
We will cut wasteful and unnecessary spending to reduce Nebraskans' income, sales and property taxes by at least 25 percent in Year 1, with additional relief in Years 2-4. I have a specific plan to cut unnecessary spending, with details on my website at www.sheilakorth.com. Cutting unnecessary spending - such as earmarks, fraud, improper payments, contracts for lobbyists & salaries for foreigners - will enable more money to stay in Nebraskans' pockets where it belongs. Our budget reforms protect state funding for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable individuals and their families. We will also protect funding for vital infrastructure and services, prioritizing kids' safety and public safety.
I believe states should respect the constitution and effectively implement laws enacted at the federal level. I don't believe states should interfere with the First, Second, Fourth, or other amendments. I believe in individual liberty and protection of landowners' property rights.

Where appropriate, states should enact laws that serve their residents and efficiently administer federal programs delegated to the states.

Where federal programs fall short at accomplishing their goals, I believe states should work swiftly with the federal government to ensure goals are met. One example is the VA failing to provide adequate and timely medical care to our veterans. I will prioritize this issue as Governor because we must support our veterans.
We have a lower cost of living, an educated workforce, one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, good infrastructure and good schools. After my tax cut plan is implemented, we will also have lower and more competitive tax rates in Nebraska as well, so we are closer to those in surrounding states. Lower taxes will help reduce the cost of housing and utilities. When I am Governor, businesses will also have an advocate in our state who will reduce unnecessary, burdensome regulations and paperwork. I will also be a Governor who is responsive to concerns from Nebraskans and businesses in our state, unlike the current administration which does not take meetings from individuals looking to start new businesses in our state.
My top 3 Nebraska values - because I believe they accurately represent Nebraskans - are hardworking, supportive, and willing to sacrifice.

These values are also related to my top three priorities as Governor: (1) Hardworking - Nebraskans are hardworking. Many Nebraskans work more than one job. Nebraskans deserve to keep more of the money they earn instead of paying taxes to the state & the state wasting the money. (2) Supportive - If Nebraskans know someone needs help, they step up to the plate. As Governor, I will exemplify these values in my administration. (3) Willing to sacrifice - Nebraska has one of the highest rates of residents joining the military. I will support them the same way they protect us - with everything we have.
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Education University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kansas State University
Current Public Office, dates Governor of Nebraska, 2023-
Past Public Office, dates held University of Nebraska Regent, 2013-2023
Volunteer experience Columbus Community Hospital, Scotus Central Catholic High School, TeamMates Mentoring Program and State Foundation, St. Isidore Catholic Church
X and/or Bluesky Handle www.x.com/jim_pillen
As Governor, I've made it my mission to run government like a business. That means cutting spending while improving services. In my first year in office, I worked with the Legislature to pass and sign historic tax relief for Nebraskans, and we're taking aggressive steps to solve the property tax crisis. I'm proud that during my time as Governor our state has achieved the highest credit rating possible (AAA) and been consistently graded highly for fiscal responsibility. With another term, our administration will continue to prioritize rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse, so that we can deliver the efficiency and effectiveness in government that Nebraskans demand, deserve, and model in their own lives.
I believe in state solutions and local control - especially when it comes to education. We were the first state in the nation to opt-in to the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, opening the door for Nebraskans to send their kids to the school that best fits them and helps unlock their potential. As Governor, I've also developed relationships and partnerships with President Trump and his team. It's made a real difference for Nebraska, from bringing over $200 million in federal funding for rural healthcare (the 8th highest in the country) as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program to meaningful relief in disaster aid after last year's destructive storms.
There's no place like Nebraska and no one can outcompete Nebraskans. Over the last three years, we've made major strides in attracting businesses to and investment in our state and in keeping born and bred Nebraskans here at home for the long-term. Our economy grew by 5% in the latter quarter of 2025 and through initiatives like our Grow the Good Life Incentive are rewarding companies for hiring top talent for good-paying jobs. Nebraska is blessed with tremendous natural resources and recently became #1 in ethanol and #1 in cattle. The sky is the limit for our business-friendly economic environment, and that means better affordability and increased standard of living for all of our people.
Kids - Our kids are our future and they must be the center of our focus in government. As Governor, I've signed legislation protecting the unborn, banning sex changes for minors, and keeping boys out of girls' sports - we lead with common sense and are building a culture of life and love. Taxes - I believe in low taxes so that Nebraskans keep more of their hard-earned income. We're running government like a business and maximizing efficiency in our state agencies. Agriculture - Nebraska farmers and ranchers feed and fuel the world. As the first farmer Governor in over 100 years, I'm proud to advance policies that bolster our agriculture industry - from prohibiting foreign adversaries from buying land here to banning bioreactor-grown "meat."
Education Graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln
Current Public Office, dates none
Past Public Office, dates held none
Military experience Nebraska National Guard, Army Sargent
Volunteer experience Founder of Nemaha County Nebraska, Concerned Citizens. 1990. People against a nuclear waste site in Nemaha County, Nebraska
X and/or Bluesky Handle none
Stop spending on state projects that are not important to the people of Nebraska. Projects that are pushed by egos of non elected state officials. UNMC expansion on president Golds pet project....3 Billlion dollars for research on diseases not found in Nebraska. A big money pit for all Nebraskans. Supported by Board of Regents and party loyalist to whom? Mr. Gold, why? We have CDC and many other research hospitals in US. Why does Nebraskans paying for what?
We must react.....only what is good for our citizens. States' rights. Voters first.
Look at Nebraska, its government, its people. No free electricity or water. Can't buy politicans.
Quality public education Small town up bringing Respect for others.
Education High School graduate with some college courses
Military experience Army and NE National Guards from 1988-1996. Desert Storm from 90-91.
Volunteer experience I have volunteered at the VA
I will do a line-by-line audit of our state to see where our money has been spent. I have a suspician that we'll uncover plenty of fraud and be able to pay for all the needed services in Nebraska.
My approach is that both states and the federal government have important roles, and neither should dominate. States should have the freedom to handle local issues and reflect their communities, while the federal government should step in to protect constitutional rights and address national concerns. The goal is a balanced system where the federal government sets key protections, and states have room to adapt and innovate.
The fact that more people are leaving Nebraska than moving in points directly to a leadership problem- one rooted in priorities, not resources. If the state leaders focused on accountability, smart investment, and creating genuine opportunity, they could reverse that trend. Fixing the outflow starts with proving that Nebraska isn't just a great place to do business, but a place where people truly want to live and build their future.
1)Hard work and strong integrity: In Nebraska, hard work is a point of pride, rooted in the belief that effort and honesty go hand in hand. 2). Family-focused and safty: Family stands at the center of Nebraska life. For Nebraskans, creating a stable, safe environment for family is the foundation that allows everything else to thrive. 3). Strong community and connections: Nebraska's communities are tightly knit, built on the belief that people rise together.
Education BSME
Current Public Office, dates none
Past Public Office, dates held none
Military experience USMC
Volunteer experience HCS, STC Parish, KofC, Adams Cty GOP, Choose LIfe Now initiative, Patriotic Revival
Project managers must balance budget, schedule, and quality—changing one affects the others. This is reality, it is unavoidable. Delivering a project faster requires higher costs or lower quality. Achieving the highest quality demands greater investment. Lowering costs means extending timelines or accepting reduced quality. Communicating budgeting trade-offs clearly and honestly is a fundamental responsibility of all civil servants, ensuring expectations align with practical constraints while informed decisions are made.
It’s quite simple. The US Constitution enumerates the powers of the federal government. It also states that anything not enumerated is left to the states. As governor I would nullify unconstitutional federal mandates by directing Nebraska agencies not to cooperate
That would be hard at the moment. Nebraska is the highest taxed “red” state. If I were able to enact everything in my agenda, it would be quite easy. Businesses would not have to be pitched to; they would be knocking down the doors trying to get in.

Low taxes, limits on how much revenue the state can collect, minimal regulation, and education controlled by local school boards, along with our country’s Judeo Christian heritage being taught and promoted in schools to help instill integrity and a strong work ethic, combined with crime being penalized and prisons treated as deterrent institutions instead of day spas, would more than offset the corporate welfare currently doled out by taxpayers.
Christian emphasizes living with integrity: doing what is right even when no one is watching. It means honesty in business, fairness in dealings. One’s beliefs match their actions reflecting faith through everyday conduct.

Patriotism in Nebraska tends to center on respect for country, community, and especially liberty, meaning the freedom to live, work, worship, and speak without interference. It shows in support for the Constitution, and appreciation for the rights and responsibilities that come with being an American.

Conservatism is tied to agricultural and small-business values, highlighting hard work as a core principle. It reflects belief in personal responsibility, limited government, and that success stems from discipline.
Education Arlington High School; Midland Lutheran College
Current Public Office, dates N/A
Past Public Office, dates held Legislature, District 15 (2017-2025)
Military experience N/A
Volunteer experience Kiwanis, Archbishop Bergan School Board, Fremont Chamber of Commerce Board, Salem Lutheran Church Youth Bible School
Other Social Media Instagram: @lynne_walz
X and/or Bluesky Handle @lynnewalz
In the past three years, we have gone from a $1.2 billion surplus to a $656 million dollar deficit. During that time, costs of everything have gone up and property taxes are still too high. Families have already tightened their belts and government is failing them. While I agree that government should cut waste where it exists, these cuts go beyond that. Our state is cutting funds for survivors of domestic violence, veterans, people with disabilities, and more. We all want lower taxes. We also all need clean drinking water, the police to show up when you need them, and nice roads. The way to stabilize our budget and economy is to grow Nebraska by bringing in more business, creating more high paying jobs, and building our workforce.
I value local control. What is best for California or Alabama is not what is best for Nebraska. The same is true at the state level. The needs that communities, like Valentine face, are very different from communities like Omaha and Lincoln. Most of the decisions that impact our daily lives are best coming from our neighbors who understand the communities they are elected to represent. The state and federal governments roles should be to create opportunities for businesses, farmers, ranchers, and the people to be successful. Government should keep citizens safe, and to provide the basic framework and accountability measures to ensure that government is efficient, responsive, and supportive to the people they serve.
First, I would declare that Nebraska is open for business. Whether you want to start a business, expand your business, or re-locate your business, Nebraska wants you here. Economic development is my top priority and I’ll be looking to work with business leaders, farmers, ranchers, and others to grow Nebraska in both our urban and rural communities. We need to be competitive with our tax rates and our incentive programs and ensure that those programs are working as they should as technology and our economy shifts. The best asset Nebraska has is our people. Nebraskans are hard working. And Nebraska is a great place to raise a family. We have quality public schools and a low cost of living compared to other states.
1. Work-ethic. A strong work ethic is the Nebraska way of life. It’s what you do to take care of your family and give back to your community. When you work hard, you should be able to earn enough to take care of your family. 2. Freedom. Government should be protecting our freedoms, not taking them away. No one should tell Nebraskans how to live, how to love, or what to think. Everyone should be free to make their own decisions about what is right for their lives. 3. Honesty. Nebraskans expect our neighbors to be honest. Our leaders should do the same. We need leaders who will stand up to political parties and special interest groups to do what is best for Nebraskans. We need to restore integrity in state government.