Nebraska’s state office candidates announced their fundraising numbers in the post-primary campaign report this week.
In the Governor’s race, Democrat Lynne Walz outraised incumbent Republican governor Jim Pillen for the second consecutive reporting period.
Walz raised $292,472 in the reporting period from April 28 to June 16, while Pillen raised 163,709 in that same time.
“The fact that we’ve outraised Governor Jim Pillen twice shows that people across our state are ready for a different kind of leadership—one that respects Nebraskans and addresses issues like rising costs and creating economic opportunity,” Walz campaign manager Bridget Ryan said.
At the time of the filing, Pillen’s campaign currently has $9,526,492 for cash on hand, which dwarfs the nearly $675,000 that Walz has on hand.
“Since the 2022 cycle, nearly 6,000 unique donors — 94% of which are from Nebraska — have supported Governor Pillen by contributing to this campaign, building a record-breaking fundraising machine,” Pillen campaign manager Taylor Silva said. “We’ll keep working hard to learn from voters and deliver results for the people of our state.”
No campaign finance info was available for Legal Marijuana NOW candidate Rick Beard.
Little polling has been done so far in the race. However, polling commissioned by the Walz campaign in late April had Pillen leading Walz 47% to 45%, within the 3.3% margin of error. 5% was undecided.
Polling from earlier in April, also commissioned by the Walz campaign, had Pillen leading Walz 38% to 33%, but also included Legal Marijuana NOW candidate Rick Beard, who polled 12%. 17% were undecided in the poll.
The Cook Political Report’s latest rating of the race, released on Tuesday, had the race as “Solid Republican”. Other race ratings from Inside Elections and Larry Sabato at the University of Virginia have the race rated similarly.
Pillen first was elected to the governor’s seat in 2022, defeating Charles Herbster, Brett Lindstrom, and Theresa Thibodeau in the Republican primary, and defeating Democrat Carol Blood in the 2022 general election. The Columbus native defeated five challengers in May’s primary.
Walz represented District 15, comprising of Fremont, North Bend, Scribner, Snyder, and Hooper in the unicameral from 2017-2025. During her time in the unicameral, she served on the Education Committee for eight years, and the Health and Human Services Committee for six years. Walz defeated Larry Marvin in May’s Democratic primary.
Other Statewide Races
Secretary of State
Republican Scott Petersen raised $25,665 en route to his primary win over incumbent Bob Evnen. Evnen raised $38,500; which includes a $25,000 loan to himself. Democrat Sarah Slattery raised $14,890.
Attorney General
Incumbent Republican Mike Hilgers raised $382,456, bolstered by a $250,000 donation from the Republican Attorneys General Association Action Fund. Democrat challenger Jocelyn Brasher raised $22,920, with $18,292 being cash donations and $3,628 through in-kind contributions.
Treasurer
Pillen appointee Joey Spellerberg raised $5,350 during the reporting period. He also earned $1,655 in checking account interest, bringing the whole total to $7,005. There was no info available for Democrat Daniel Ebers.
Auditor of Public Accounts
Unopposed Republican Mike Foley raised $388.06 during this campaign period. Adding in checking account interest, he raised $420 in the reporting period.