The 2022 Nebraska gubernatorial election took place on November 8, 2022, to elect the next governor of the U.S. state of Nebraska . Incumbent Republican governor Pete Ricketts was term-limited and unable to seek a third term.[ 2] Jim Pillen won the gubernatorial election by a 23-point margin.
Nebraska's primary elections were held on May 10. Pillen, the former University of Nebraska Board of Regents chair, won the Republican nomination, while state senator Carol Blood won the Democratic nomination.
The race took on increased importance in October 2022, when U.S. senator Ben Sasse announced he would resign and Ricketts said he would allow the winner of the gubernatorial election to appoint Sasse's replacement.[ 3]
Eliminated in primary [ edit ] Donna Carpenter, contractor[ 6]
Michael Connely, educational advisor, quality assurance director, small-scale agribusiness, USMC veteran[ 7]
Charles Herbster , agribusiness executive and candidate for governor in 2014 [ 2] [ 8] Brett Lindstrom , financial advisor, state senator and candidate for Nebraska's 2nd congressional district 2012 [ 2] [ 9] [ 10] [ 11] Running mate: Dave Rippe, real estate broker and former director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development[ 12] Lela McNinch[ 6]
Breland Ridenour, information technology manager[ 13]
Theresa Thibodeau , former state senator and former chair of the Douglas County Republican Party[ 14] Running mate: Trent Loos, agriculture advocate and podcast host[ 15] Don Bacon , U.S. representative for Nebraska's 2nd congressional district (successfully ran for re-election ) [ 16] [ 17] Deb Fischer , U.S. senator [ 9] [ 10] Mike Flood , state senator , former Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature , and candidate for governor in 2014 [ 18] Mike Foley , Lieutenant Governor of Nebraska , former Nebraska State Auditor , and candidate for governor in 2014 (successfully ran for State Auditor; endorsed Herbster) [ 2] [ 19] [ 20] Jeff Fortenberry , former U.S. representative for Nebraska's 1st congressional district [ 9] [ 21] Dave Heineman , former governor[ 9] [ 22] [ 23] Mike Hilgers , Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature (successfully ran for Attorney General ) [ 9] [ 24] Greg Ibach , former U.S. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs and former Nebraska Director of Agriculture[ 19] Dave Nabity, financial adviser, talk show host, and candidate for governor in 2006 [ 9]
Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and candidate for governor in 2014 [ 2]
Adrian Smith , U.S. representative for Nebraska's 3rd congressional district (successfully ran for re-election ) [ 9] John Stinner , state senator [ 9] Jean Stothert , Mayor of Omaha (endorsed Lindstrom) [ 2] [ 9] Charles W. Herbster
U.S. Executive Branch officials
Statewide officials
State legislators
Organizations
Brett Lindstrom
U.S. representatives
State legislators
Local officials
Organizations
Nebraska AFL–CIO (Republican primary only; co-endorsed with Blood) [ 36] Jim Pillen
U.S. representatives
Statewide officials
State legislators
Local officials
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Graphical summary
Results by county 30–40%
40–50%
50–60%
60–70%
Pillen, Herbster, and Lindstrom all won their respective home counties – Pillen won Platte County with 66.3% of the vote, Herbster won Richardson County with 55.7% of the vote, and Lindstrom won Douglas County with 39.5% of the vote. Lindstrom won the Omaha metropolitan area and came close to winning Lancaster County , home to state capital Lincoln , losing to Pillen by about 2.1%. Pillen and Herbster won parts of more rural Nebraska.[ 55]
While Herbster won most of the Sandhills region, Pillen won most of northeastern Nebraska and counties along the I-80 corridor.[ 56]
Eliminated in primary [ edit ] Carol Blood
U.S. representatives
Organizations
Results by county: 50–60%
60–70%
70–80%
80–90%
90–100%
Libertarian primary [ edit ] Scott Zimmerman, businessman, comedian, founder of Z-Trak Productions and nominee for lieutenant governor in 2014 [ 66] Running mate: Jason Blumenthal[ 67] Post-primary endorsements [ edit ] Jim Pillen (R)
Statewide officials
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Poll source
Date(s)
Sample[ a]
Margin
Jim
Carol
Other
Undecided
Data Targeting (R)[ 82] September 26–28, 2022
1,340 (LV)
± 2.7%
48%
41%
–
11%
Swing by county
Democratic — +7.5-10%
Democratic — +5-7.5%
Democratic — +2.5-5%
Democratic — +0-2.5%
Republican — +0-2.5%
Republican — +2.5-5%
Republican — +5-7.5%
Republican — +7.5-10%
Republican — +10-12.5%
Republican — +12.5-15%
Republican — +>15%
Trend by county
Democratic — +7.5-10%
Democratic — +5-7.5%
Democratic — +2.5-5%
Democratic — +0-2.5%
Republican — +0-2.5%
Republican — +2.5-5%
Republican — +5-7.5%
Republican — +7.5-10%
Republican — +10-12.5%
Republican — +12.5-15%
Republican — +>15%
By congressional district [ edit ] Pillen won all three congressional districts.[ 84]
^ a b Key:
^ "None" with 5%; Connely with 3%; Wentz with 1%; Carpenter and Ridenour with <1%; McNinch with 0%
Partisan clients
^ a b Poll conducted for Pillen's campaign
^ a b Poll conducted for Neilan Strategy Group
^ a b c Poll conducted for Lindstrom's campaign
^ Poll conducted for Herbster's campaign
^ "Nebraska Voter Turnout in 2022" (PDF) . Nebraska Secretary of State . November 8, 2022. Retrieved February 28, 2023 .^ a b c d e f g Hammel, Paul (November 3, 2019). "Candidates exploring runs in 2022 governor's race; Ricketts can't run due to term limits" . omaha.com . Omaha World Herald. Retrieved March 4, 2020 . ^ "Ricketts punts decision to next governor to appoint replacement for Ben Sasse if he resigns" . Nebraska Examiner . October 7, 2022.^ "University of Nebraska Regent Jim Pillen announces he is running for governor" . KETV . April 7, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2021 .^ "Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen announces running mate" . 1011 Now .^ a b "Nebraska Secretary of State" (PDF) . Archived (PDF) from the original on January 9, 2022.^ "Lincoln veteran Michael Connely seeking state senate seat, announces 2022 Governor run" . www.1011now.com . April 15, 2020. Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2021 .^ "Herbster files, 2022 Governor's race off and running" .^ a b c d e f g h i j Sanderford, Aaron (January 31, 2021). "The race to replace Ricketts: Who's in, who's thinking, who's out of campaign for governor" . Omaha.com . Retrieved February 3, 2021 . ^ a b Hammel, Paul (April 2021). "Sen. Deb Fischer says she won't run for Nebraska governor, likes being a legislator" . Omaha.com . Retrieved April 1, 2021 . ^ Walton, Don (April 7, 2021). "Regent Jim Pillen says he's running for governor of Nebraska" . JournalStar.com . Retrieved April 7, 2021 . ^ "Sen. Lindstrom announces running mate in Nebraska governor's race" . February 10, 2022.^ "Another Republican enters the race for Nebraska governor" . KETV . May 12, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021 .^ Stoddard, Martha (October 28, 2021). "Omahan Theresa Thibodeau exploring run for Nebraska governor to give GOP options" . Omaha World-Herald Archived from the original on October 31, 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2021 . ^ "Theresa Thibodeau announces running mate" . March 31, 2022.^ Walton, Don (March 8, 2021). "Bacon says he is considering race for governor" . JournalStar.com . ^ Essex, Randy (March 15, 2021). "Don Bacon won't run for Nebraska governor; looks forward to congressional roles" . Omaha.com . Archived from the original on March 18, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2021 . ^ Hammel, Paul (August 17, 2019). "Former Speaker of the Legislature Mike Flood seeks to reclaim District 19 seat" . Omaha World-Herald . Retrieved September 5, 2020 . ^ a b Walton, Don (November 29, 2020). "Governor's race in 2022 appears to be wide open" . JournalStar.com . ^ Hammel, Paul (November 11, 2021). "Nebraska auditor not running for reelection; lieutenant governor will seek his old job" . Omaha World-Herald . Retrieved November 11, 2021 . ^ "Nebraska Rep. Jeff Fortenberry announces reelection bid" . Associated Press Archived from the original on January 10, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022 .^ Hammel, Paul (April 7, 2021). "Former Gov. Dave Heineman said to be seriously considering run for his old office in 2022" . Omaha.com . Retrieved April 8, 2021 . ^ "Former Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman announces he will not be running in 2022" . KMTV . December 14, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2021 .^ Walton, Don (December 15, 2021). "Hilgers announces Republican candidacy for attorney general" . Lexington Clipper-Herald . Lincoln Journal Star . Archived from the original on December 16, 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2021 . ^ "Daub endorses Herbster for governor" .^ "Trump endorses Herbster for Nebraska governor" . WOWT . October 27, 2021.^ Anderson, Jake (March 15, 2022). "Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts 'disappointed' in Lt. Gov. Mike Foley for supporting Charles Herbster" . KETV . Retrieved March 15, 2022 . ^ Anderson, Jake (February 2, 2022). "South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem endorses Charles Herbster for Nebraska governor" . www.ketv.com . ABC. Retrieved February 2, 2022 . ^ "Sen. Tom Brewer Endorses Charles W. Herbster for Governor" . August 21, 2021.^ "Briese supports Herbster, citing his commitment to property tax relief" . May 3, 2022.^ "Sen. Halloran endorses Herbster for Governor" . August 27, 2021.^ "ACU Endorses Charles W. Herbster" . August 17, 2021.^ a b Sanderford, Aaron (February 25, 2022). "Brad Ashford endorses Lindstrom, Blood in governor primaries" . News Channel Nebraska Nebraska Examiner . Archived from the original on February 25, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2022 . ^ Walton, Don (February 21, 2022). "Former Democratic governor candidate Bob Krist returns to GOP to support Lindstrom for governor" . The Grand Island Independent . Retrieved February 24, 2022 . ^ Anderson, Jake (April 5, 2022). "Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Brett Lindstrom receives endorsement from Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert" . KETV . Retrieved April 15, 2022 . ^ "Labor: Elections 2022" . April 5, 2022.^ "Coach Osborne endorses Pillen for Nebraska Governor" . Custer County Chief. April 23, 2021.^ "Former Attorney General financially contributes to Jim Pillen for Nebraska Governor" . Omaha World Herald . March 25, 2022.^ "Governor Orr endorses Pillen for Nebraska Governor" . LJS . April 29, 2021.^ "Attorney General Peterson endorses Jim Pillen for Nebraska Governor" . NTV News. March 29, 2022.^ "Ricketts endorses Republican candidate Jim Pillen for Governor" . January 18, 2022.^ "Senator Hughes endorses Pillen for Nebraska Governor" . McCook Gazette . June 3, 2021.^ "Lou Ann Linehan endorses Pillen for Nebraska Governor" . Lincoln Journal Star . June 16, 2021.^ "Attorney Kleine endorses Pillen for Nebraska Governor" . 1011. May 3, 2022.^ "Sheriff Wagner endorses Pillen for Nebraska Governor" . KLKNTV. March 28, 2022.^ a b "Americans for Prosperity Backs Jim Pillen in 2022 Gubernatorial Election" . Americans For Prosperity. March 10, 2022.^ a b "Nebraska Farm Bureau endorses Pillen for Nebraska Governor" . US News. February 1, 2022.^ WPA Intelligence (R) ^ WPA Intelligence (R) ^ Data Targeting (R) ^ a b c 3D Strategic Research (R) ^ Moore Information Group (R) ^ KAConsulting LLC (R) ^ Data Targeting (R) ^ a b c d Robert B. Evnen (2022). Official Report of the Nebraska Board of State Canvassers, Primary Election, May 10, 2022 (PDF) . Nebraska Secretary of State. ^ Wheaton, Daniel (May 11, 2022). "Map: Nebraska Republicans Voted Along Geographic Lines" . Nebraska Public Media Archived from the original on May 13, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2022 . ^ "Carol Blood formally enters race for Nebraska Governor" . KETV . September 13, 2021. Retrieved September 13, 2021 .^ "Sen. Carol Blood names running mate in Nebraska governor's race" . March 27, 2022.^ "Few surprises at filing deadline for Nebraska's primaries" . March 1, 2022. Retrieved March 10, 2022 .^ "Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission" . nadc.nebraska.gov . Retrieved July 15, 2021 .^ "Alisha Shelton announces run for Nebraska's 2nd District Congressional seat" . KMTV . July 6, 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2021 .^ Walton, Don (July 13, 2021). "Sen. Tony Vargas will seek metro Omaha House seat" . JournalStar.com . Retrieved July 13, 2021 . ^ "Labor: Elections 2022" . April 5, 2022.^ "State Sen. Carol Blood announces run for Nebraska governor" . September 14, 2021.^ "Political Endorsements" . Sierra Club Nebraska Chapter. January 2017.^ "Libertarian candidate for governor pledges less government" . Lincoln Journal Star . Retrieved March 10, 2022 .^ "Final Statewide Candidate List" (PDF) . Nebraska Secretary of State . September 16, 2022. Retrieved October 18, 2022 .^ "2022 Governor Race Ratings" . The Cook Political Report . Retrieved February 4, 2021 .^ "Gubernatorial Ratings" . Inside Elections . Retrieved February 19, 2021 .^ "2022 Gubernatorial race ratings" . Sabato's Crystal Ball . Retrieved March 11, 2021 .^ "Nebraska Governor Race 2022" . Politico ^ "2022 Governor Races" . RCP . January 10, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2022 .^ "2022 Election Forecast" . Fox News . May 12, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2022 .^ "2022 Election Forecast" . FiveThirtyEight . June 30, 2022. Archived from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved June 30, 2022 .^ Szymanski, Joe (November 7, 2022). "Elections Daily Unveils Final 2022 Midterm Ratings" . Elections Daily . Retrieved November 28, 2022 . ^ "Youngkin stumps for Pillen, GOP in first Midwest foray amid presidential buzz" . July 9, 2022.^ " . www.ketv.com . May 11, 2022. Retrieved November 6, 2022 .^ "OUR RECOMMENDED CANDIDATES" . Retrieved November 1, 2022 .^ "Endorsed Candidates" . National Women's Political Caucus . Retrieved November 2, 2022 .^ Board, Journal Star Editorial (October 15, 2022). "Editorial, 10/16: Pansing Brooks, Blood earn board endorsements" . JournalStar.com . Retrieved November 2, 2022 . ^ "Editorial: Carol Blood would be constructive leader as Nebraska governor" . October 30, 2022.^ Data Targeting (R) ^ Robert B. Evnen. Official Report of the Nebraska Board of Canvassers, General Election, November 8, 2022 (PDF) . ^ nebraska 2022 gov-by-CD . docs.google.com (Report). Official campaign websites
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