Election day is Tuesday, November 3 - 7 days away.
LW
DEMOCRAT
Lynne Walz
Realtor from Fremont and former state senator for Legislative District 15 (2017-2025). source
REPUBLICAN - INCUMBENT
Jim Pillen
Governor since 2023, a Columbus pork producer and former 10-year University of Nebraska regent. source
Where they differ
Only issues they disagree on. Each position is something the candidate said, voted for or published, linked to where.
Property taxes
WALZ
Says to balance the state budget first, then slow valuation increases and give targeted relief to residents over corporations. source
PILLEN
Wants lawmakers to work with the governor to lower property taxes by putting hard caps on local spending. source
Abortion
WALZ
Does not support restricting abortion in cases of rape, incest or to save the mother's life. source
PILLEN
Describes himself as pro-life and ended Medicaid subsidies for abortion providers. source
State budget cuts
WALZ
Called Pillen's 2026 directive to cut agency budgets 'irresponsible and lazy leadership' and says cuts need outside input. source
PILLEN
Told state agencies in 2026 to cut their budgets and to withhold funds to meet the goal. source
Private school scholarships
WALZ
As a senator in 2019, opposed a state tax credit for donations to private school scholarship groups, saying it would divert funding from public schools. source
PILLEN
Signed a 2023 scholarship tax credit law and in September 2025 opted Nebraska into the federal scholarship tax credit. source
Winner-take-all electoral votes
WALZ
Says she would not support shifting Nebraska to winner-take-all electoral votes. source
PILLEN
Says he would support shifting to a winner-take-all Electoral College system. source
