Governor of Nebraska · Election November 3, 2026 · Updated
Who should I vote for in the Nebraska governor's race?
Lynne Walz has the strongest record in the Nebraska governor's race. Lynne Walz scores 70 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Jim Pillen at 68 and Brett Lindstrom at 65, as of October 6, 2026. Lynne Walz's highest marks are relevant experience and accountability. Jim Pillen's highest marks are command of the job and relevant experience. Rick Beard (4 of 15 criteria) has too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Legal Marijuana NOW
Rick Beard
Running mate: Keenya Barnes
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 4 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- 56
- Performance
- NR
America First
Brett Lindstrom
Running mate: Michael Picard
65 / 100
Public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 75
- Performance
- 75
Republican · incumbent
Jim Pillen
Running mate: Joe Kelly
68 / 100
Public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 80
- Performance
- 75
Democratic
Strongest record
Lynne Walz
Running mate: Ben Steffen
70 / 100
Public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 56
- Qualifications
- 81
- Performance
- 75
The good, the bad and the unresolved
The record
The notable facts of each candidate's public life, each tied to a source and confirmed to be this person. Unresolved matters are labeled with where they stand and do not move a score.
Rick Beard
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Brett Lindstrom
- On the record2026-08
His nonpartisan petition fell short after many signatures were flagged as possibly fraudulent; three circulators later arrested in a separate Lincoln case had worked for his campaign, and he said he had no knowledge.
Sources: Nebraska Examiner via Yahoo News, Sept. 1, 2026, Nebraska Public Media, Sept. 21, 2026
- On the record2026
Left the Republican Party, citing polarization and party-line loyalty tests, and joined the new America First Party ticket.
- Credit2015 to 2023
Served two terms in the Legislature, chairing the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee; rated above expectations by the Center for Effective Lawmaking for 2019 to 2020.
Sources: Nebraska Public Media, Sept. 21, 2026, Center for Effective Lawmaking, State Legislative Effectiveness Scores data file
Jim Pillen
- Unresolved2024-05 to 2026-08
A $2.5 million no-bid emergency contract the Department of Economic Development awarded in May 2024 to a consultant Pillen recommended was flagged by the State Auditor and is under Lincoln Police investigation.
Where it stands: Lincoln Police investigation ongoing as of March 2026; no charges reported. Pillen says omitted paperwork is not a crime.
Sources: Nebraska Public Media, March 10, 2026, Nebraska Examiner via Yahoo News, March 10, 2026
- On the record2026-09
A Flatwater Free Press and New York Times investigation reported that at least 20 Pillen Family Farms hog farms employed undocumented workers; Pillen and the company say they never knowingly hired one.
Sources: Flatwater Free Press, Sept. 8, 2026, Nebraska Examiner via Yahoo News, Sept. 9, 2026
- On the record2026-01
Used the term 'libtards' at least three times about critics during a January 2026 tele-town hall; his staff cut off a reporter's question about it.
Source: KETV, Jan. 23, 2026
- On the record2025 to 2026
Directed conversion of the McCook Work Ethic Camp into an ICE holding facility; a judge upheld his authority against a residents' lawsuit, which is on appeal.
- On the record2023-01
Appointed former Gov. Pete Ricketts to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Ben Sasse.
- On the record2021 to 2022
A former human resources specialist sued Pillen Family Farms in 2021 alleging it knowingly hired undocumented workers; the company denied it and both sides agreed to dismiss the suit in 2022.
Lynne Walz
- On the record2026-07
Released a platform that the Nebraska Examiner reported sidestepped specifics at times; she cited fewer resources than the incumbent.
- Credit2026-09
Three former Republican state senators, Mark Kolterman, John Stinner and Tim Gragert, endorsed her for governor.
- Credit2023 to 2024
Rated above expectations by the Center for Effective Lawmaking for 2023 to 2024 and 2019 to 2020.
Source: Center for Effective Lawmaking, State Legislative Effectiveness Scores data file
- Credit2017 to 2025
Served two terms in the Legislature and chaired its Education Committee.
Who they are
Character
Integrity
Tells the truth, keeps their word, and takes no private gain from public office.
Rick Beard. No public record found.
Brett Lindstrom. No Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission enforcement action names him. Fraudulent signatures gathered by hired circulators sank his 2026 petition; he said he had no knowledge (see Record).
Source: Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, enforcement actions
Jim Pillen. No Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission enforcement action names him. A $2.5 million no-bid contract his administration awarded is under police investigation, unresolved (see Record).
Source: Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, enforcement actions
Lynne Walz. No Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission enforcement action names her.
Source: Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, enforcement actions
Courage
Takes a stand that costs them something, including telling their own side no.
Rick Beard. No public record found.
Brett Lindstrom. Left the Republican Party in 2026, saying it had become a loyalty test, and is running against the Republican governor under a new party.
Jim Pillen. No public record found.
Lynne Walz. No public record found.
Accountability
Owns mistakes, answers hard questions, and works in the open.
Rick Beard. No public record found.
Brett Lindstrom. No public record found.
Jim Pillen. Holds tele-town halls and hosts a monthly statewide radio call-in show. No 2026 general election debate or forum with his opponents was found.
Sources: KETV, Jan. 23, 2026, Nebraska Examiner via Yahoo News, Feb. 13, 2026
Lynne Walz. Held a series of public listening sessions across the state (at least nine by December 2025) and gave candidate interviews. No 2026 debate with Pillen was found.
Temperament and judgment
Steady under pressure, decides on evidence, and treats opponents and staff with respect.
Rick Beard. No public record found.
Brett Lindstrom. Eight years as a state senator and two decades in wealth management with no formal conduct finding found.
Jim Pillen. University regent for a decade and governor since 2023 with no formal censure or conduct finding found. His use of a slur for critics in a January 2026 tele-town hall is in the Record.
Lynne Walz. Eight years as a state senator with no formal censure or conduct finding found; three former Republican colleagues vouch for her character.
Sources: Nebraska Public Media, Sept. 21, 2026, Nebraska Public Media, Sept. 28, 2026
Fidelity to the oath
Uses power inside its limits: accepts certified results, obeys court rulings, follows the rules of the office.
Rick Beard. No public record found.
Brett Lindstrom. Took the oath as a state senator for two terms (2015 to 2023). No official finding of misuse of office found.
Jim Pillen. Took the oaths of university regent and governor. No official finding of misuse of office; a court upheld his authority to convert the McCook work camp to an ICE facility, with an appeal pending.
Sources: Nebraska Public Media, Sept. 21, 2026, Nebraska Examiner via Yahoo News, Sept. 9, 2026
Lynne Walz. Took the oath as a state senator for two terms (2017 to 2025). No official finding of misuse of office found.
What they bring
Qualifications
Relevant experience
Has done work that prepares them for this specific office.
Rick Beard. Has owned and consulted for food and wine businesses in California and Nebraska and runs a catering company in Omaha; grew licensed cannabis in California from 2016.
Brett Lindstrom. Two terms in the Nebraska Legislature (2015 to 2023), where he chaired the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee; over 20 years in wealth management.
Jim Pillen. Governor since January 2023, nearing the end of his first term; University of Nebraska regent for a decade; founded Pillen Family Farms in 1993.
Lynne Walz. Two terms in the Nebraska Legislature, where she chaired the Education Committee; earlier a teacher and real estate agent.
Command of the job
Knows the issues and knows what the office can and cannot do.
Rick Beard. Proposes a state-run cannabis program he says would raise $300 million to $400 million a year, plus an industrial hemp industry; no costing published.
Brett Lindstrom. Chaired the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee and was Revenue Committee vice chairman; proposes moving farmland toward income-based valuation with an infrastructure stability fund for counties.
Sources: Nebraska Public Media, Sept. 21, 2026, Center for Effective Lawmaking, State Legislative Effectiveness Scores data file (committee chair flag)
Jim Pillen. Sitting governor (E5) with a published 'Pillen Playbook 2.0' platform and stated priorities on property taxes, school funding and agriculture.
Sources: Nebraska Public Media, Sept. 21, 2026, Nebraska Examiner via Yahoo News, Sept. 9, 2026
Lynne Walz. Chaired the Legislature's Education Committee. Her governor platform sets priorities but the Nebraska Examiner reported it sidesteps specifics at times.
Sources: Nebraska Public Media, Sept. 21, 2026, Nebraska Examiner via Yahoo News, July 22, 2026
Communication
Explains plainly, persuades, and listens.
Rick Beard. Explained his platform in a Nebraska Public Media candidate interview. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey.
Sources: Nebraska Public Media, Sept. 21, 2026, Ballotpedia, Rick Beard
Brett Lindstrom. Explained detailed tax and budget proposals in a Nebraska Public Media interview. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey.
Sources: Nebraska Public Media, Sept. 21, 2026, Ballotpedia, Brett Lindstrom
Jim Pillen. Holds tele-town halls, hosts a monthly radio call-in show and gave a Nebraska Public Media interview. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey.
Sources: KETV, Jan. 23, 2026, Nebraska Examiner via Yahoo News, Feb. 13, 2026, Ballotpedia, Jim Pillen
Lynne Walz. Published a platform, held listening sessions statewide and gave a Nebraska Public Media interview. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey.
Sources: Nebraska Examiner via Yahoo News, July 22, 2026, Ballotpedia, Lynne Walz
Roots in the constituency
Lives there, knows the people, and is funded by them.
Rick Beard. Grew up in Omaha, attended Burke High School and moved back to Omaha; lists Omaha on the official candidate list.
Sources: Nebraska Public Media, Sept. 21, 2026, Nebraska Secretary of State candidate list
Brett Lindstrom. Born in Lincoln, graduated from Millard West High School and represented Omaha; lists Omaha on the official candidate list.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Brett Lindstrom, Nebraska Public Media, Sept. 21, 2026, Nebraska Secretary of State candidate list
Jim Pillen. Born in Columbus, Nebraska, and lists Columbus on the official candidate list.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Jim Pillen, Nebraska Secretary of State candidate list
Lynne Walz. Grew up on a farm north of Fremont and lists Fremont on the official candidate list.
Sources: Nebraska Public Media, Sept. 21, 2026, Nebraska Secretary of State candidate list
Management
Can build and run an organization.
Rick Beard. No public record found.
Brett Lindstrom. Has worked in wealth management for over 20 years.
Jim Pillen. Founded Pillen Family Farms in 1993 and has run the state executive branch since 2023. No NADC enforcement action names him.
Sources: Nebraska Public Media, Sept. 21, 2026, Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, enforcement actions
Lynne Walz. No public record found.
What they deliver
Performance
Results
Turns ideas into outcomes.
Rick Beard. No public record found.
Brett Lindstrom. State Legislative Effectiveness Score of 1.49 for 2019 to 2020, above expectations; 12 of 34 bills he sponsored that session became law.
Source: Center for Effective Lawmaking, State Legislative Effectiveness Scores data file
Jim Pillen. Signed 2023 laws cutting state individual and business income tax rates to 3.99 percent by 2027; cites shorter developmental disability waits and more K-12 funding.
Lynne Walz. State Legislative Effectiveness Score of 1.53 for 2023 to 2024, above expectations; 5 of 57 bills she sponsored that session became law, and 14 of 39 in 2019 to 2020.
Source: Center for Effective Lawmaking, State Legislative Effectiveness Scores data file
Showing up
Does the basic work of the job.
Rick Beard. No public record found.
Brett Lindstrom. No public record found.
Jim Pillen. No public record found.
Lynne Walz. No public record found.
Constituent service
Solves problems for the people they represent.
Rick Beard. No public record found.
Brett Lindstrom. No public record found.
Jim Pillen. No public record found.
Lynne Walz. No public record found.
Coalition building
Wins support beyond their own faction.
Rick Beard. No public record found.
Brett Lindstrom. No public record found.
Jim Pillen. No public record found.
Lynne Walz. Endorsed by three former Republican state senators, Mark Kolterman, John Stinner and Tim Gragert; first won her seat in 2016 in a traditionally Republican district.
Sources: Nebraska Public Media, Sept. 28, 2026, Nebraska Public Media, Sept. 21, 2026
Stewardship of public money
Treats tax dollars as someone else's money.
Rick Beard. No public record found.
Brett Lindstrom. No public record found.
Jim Pillen. No public record found.
Lynne Walz. No public record found.
How to read this
Each criterion is scored 0 to 4 against the written rubric in the Ballot Standard. NR means no record: there is no reliable public evidence either way, so the criterion is left out and never counts against the candidate. A total is published when at least 8 of 15 criteria have evidence.
A sitting officeholder has a longer public record than a first-time candidate, so the two totals rest on different amounts of evidence. Read the count of criteria beside each score. Low marks require an official finding or a primary record. Allegations and opinion are not used.
No policy position is scored. Evidence checked October 6, 2026. Campaigns and readers can send a correction with a public source to tpg@thepoliticalgroup.com.
Questions
Who should I vote for in the Nebraska governor's race?
Lynne Walz has the strongest record in the Nebraska governor's race. Lynne Walz scores 70 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Jim Pillen at 68 and Brett Lindstrom at 65, as of October 6, 2026. Lynne Walz's highest marks are relevant experience and accountability. Jim Pillen's highest marks are command of the job and relevant experience. Rick Beard (4 of 15 criteria) has too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Who is running in the Nebraska governor's race in 2026?
Rick Beard (Legal Marijuana NOW), Brett Lindstrom (America First), Jim Pillen (Republican, incumbent), Lynne Walz (Democratic). The general election is November 3, 2026.
Is Rick Beard a good candidate for Governor?
Rick Beard has public evidence on 4 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Brett Lindstrom a good candidate for Governor?
Brett Lindstrom scores 65 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 75 of 100, performance 75 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Jim Pillen a good candidate for Governor?
Jim Pillen scores 68 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 80 of 100, performance 75 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Lynne Walz a good candidate for Governor?
Lynne Walz scores 70 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria: character 56 of 100, qualifications 81 of 100, performance 75 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
How is the strongest record decided?
The candidate with the highest Ballot Standard score has the strongest record. Each of 15 criteria on character, qualifications and performance is scored 0 to 4 from public records and established reporting, the same way for every party. No policy position is scored, and unresolved accusations never move a score.
More on this race: every Nebraska race scored, and the Nebraska 2026 election guide. Independent scorecard by The Political Group, not affiliated with any candidate or party.