Brett Lindstrom’s independent bid for governor changes campaign dynamics, draws controversy

LINCOLN, Neb. —

The race for Nebraska governor could become more crowded and complex after former state Sen. Brett Lindstrom announced he is seeking the state’s highest office as a non-partisan candidate.

Lindstrom, a Republican who unsuccessfully challenged Gov. Jim Pillen in the 2022 GOP primary, is now pursuing an independent path to the Governor’s Mansion. His candidacy adds another name to an already developing field ahead of the 2026 election.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln political scientist Kevin Smith said Lindstrom’s announcement was somewhat unexpected given the challenges independent candidates historically face in statewide races.

“He is going to draw voters, the big question is, is how many and is it enough to make a serious run at the office?” Smith said. “Whoever has the R behind their name in a statewide race on the ballot has a built-in advantage because there’s twice as many Republican voters as there are any other category of voters.”

Lindstrom declined to discuss his campaign in detail Tuesday. He told KETV his current focus is gathering signatures to qualify for the ballot. Nebraska law requires independent gubernatorial candidates to submit 4,000 valid signatures.

Lindstrom’s campaign also drew criticism Tuesday from former gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster, who took aim at Lindstrom’s logo, which omitted southeastern Nebraska, in a social media post.

“Lindstrom’s all-Omaha ticket is a slap in the face to voters west of Elkhorn, and allowing an image that cuts off southeast Nebraska is further proof that he just doesn’t care or isn’t paying attention,” Herbster said.

Lindstrom’s campaign updated the logo to display the full outline of Nebraska on his campaign website.

The race currently includes incumbent Republican Gov. Jim Pillen, former state senator and Democratic candidate Lynne Walz and Legal Marijuana NOW Party candidate Rick Beard.

Smith said Pillen’s primary performance, in which roughly one-quarter of the Republican voters backed other candidates, suggests there is some dissatisfaction within the party.

“But again are they really going to abandon their partisan loyalty in the general election?” Smith said.

Smith said the answer to that question will become clearer as the campaigns unfold.