Who Is Running for Nebraska Governor
Governor Jim Pillen, a Republican, is running for a second term against Democrat Lynne Walz, Brett Lindstrom of the America First Party Nebraska and Rick Beard of the Legal Marijuana Now Party on November 3, 2026 (Ballotpedia).
Key facts
- The general election is November 3, 2026.
- Governor and lieutenant governor run as a ticket: Jim Pillen‘s running mate is Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly.
- A governor may serve two four-year terms in a row, then must wait four years.
- The term on this ballot begins January 7, 2027.
Candidates for Nebraska governor on the November 3, 2026 ballot
Source: Ballotpedia, Nebraska gubernatorial election, 2026, as of 2026-10-14
Nebraska Governor Terms and the Joint Ticket
The governor serves four years, and “one vote shall be cast jointly” for governor and lieutenant governor (Neb. Const. art. IV, sec. 1). Each candidate for governor picks the running mate. A governor who serves two consecutive terms is “ineligible to the office of Governor for four years” after the second one ends.
Nebraska Governor Primary Results
Jim Pillen won the Republican primary on May 12, 2026 with 75.4% of the vote. Lynne Walz won the Democratic primary with 91.5% of 127,305 votes. Ballotpedia lists both results as certified (Ballotpedia).
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Jim Pillen | 75.4% |
| John Walz | 9.6% |
| Sheila Korth-Focken | 7.7% |
| Gary L. Rogge | 3.7% |
| Jacy Todd | 2.7% |
| Sal Holguin | 0.9% |
Source: Ballotpedia, certified results. 188,711 votes.
The 2022 Nebraska Governor Result
In 2022, Jim Pillen won an open seat over Democrat Carol Blood by 156,328 votes out of 672,593 cast.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Jim Pillen (R) | 59.2% |
| Carol Blood (D) | 36% |
| Scott Zimmerman (L) | 3.9% |
Source: Ballotpedia, certified results.
This page carries no polls or race ratings (Ballotpedia).
The Nebraska Legislature and the Veto
Nebraska’s Legislature has one chamber of 49 senators, elected without party labels. By party registration, as Ballotpedia lists it, 33 are Republicans, 14 Democrats and 2 nonpartisan.
Overriding a veto takes three-fifths of the members elected, 30 of 49 (Neb. Const. art. IV, sec. 15). The same vote can restore a spending item the governor cut. The next regular session begins January 6, 2027.
What the Nebraska Governor Can Do
Nebraska’s governor signs or vetoes bills, can cut individual spending items and commands the state’s military forces (Neb. Const. art. IV).
Powers and rules of the Nebraska governor
Source: Nebraska Constitution, art. IV
How to Vote for Governor in Nebraska
Register online or by mail by October 16, 2026, or in person at your county election office by October 23, 2026. Early voting runs October 5 to November 2, 2026, and requests for a mail ballot are due October 23, 2026 (Nebraska Secretary of State).
Nebraska's 2026 governor election, step by step
- October 16, 2026 Last day to register online or by mail Mailed forms must be postmarked by this date.
- October 23, 2026 Last day to register in person At your county election office.
- October 23, 2026 Last day to request a mail ballot Any registered voter may vote by mail.
- November 3, 2026 Election Day Mail ballots must arrive by the close of polls.
- January 7, 2027 Term begins The winner serves a four-year term.
Our 2026 governor races guide covers all 36 races on the ballot this year, and our Nebraska Senate race guide covers the U.S. Senate seat.
Nebraska Governor Questions
Who is running for governor of Nebraska in 2026?
Governor Jim Pillen, a Republican, faces Democrat Lynne Walz, Brett Lindstrom of the America First Party Nebraska and Rick Beard of the Legal Marijuana Now Party on November 3, 2026.
Who is Lynne Walz?
Lynne Walz is the Democratic nominee for governor of Nebraska. She won the May 12, 2026 Democratic primary with 91.5% of the vote.
Do Nebraska voters choose the lieutenant governor separately?
No. Each candidate for governor picks a running mate, and one vote is cast for both. Jim Pillen’s running mate is Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly.
Can the Nebraska governor serve more than two terms?
Not in a row. A governor who has served two consecutive terms must wait four years before serving again. The term on this ballot begins January 7, 2027.
What You Can Do
- Check your registration and register by October 16, 2026 online or October 23, 2026 in person.
- Request a mail ballot by October 23, 2026 if you want one, and return it by the close of polls on November 3.
- Find your state senator with the Legislature’s address lookup.
- Read up on the issues in Nebraska: the minimum wage, abortion laws and marijuana laws.