OUR CANDIDATES
GUBERNATORIAL NOMINEE
JIM PILLEN
Jim Pillen is a veterinarian, livestock producer, farmer, entrepreneur, and Christian conservative running as the Republican nominee for Governor of Nebraska. Born and raised in Platte County, Pillen is a lifelong Nebraskan who has created over a thousand jobs through his family business, Pillen Family Farms.
A former Husker defensive back, Pillen holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University. Jim and his wife of more than 40 years, Suzanne, have four children and seven grandchildren. The Pillens live in Columbus, where they attend St. Isidore’s Catholic Church.
CONGRESSIONAL NOMINEES
1ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT NOMINEE
Mike Flood
Raised in Norfolk, Mike Flood has dedicated his life to advancing conservative values, growing Nebraska's rural communities, and creating jobs. Mike founded Flood Communications, which currently has a statewide network of 15 radio stations and five TV stations.
During Mike's tenure in the Nebraska Legislature, Mike passed historic tax relief, the most sweeping abortion ban in the nation, codified concealed carry, helped pave the way for the Keystone XL Pipeline, and consistently led on conservative issues. He has also been active in growing Nebraska’s economy and helping families in need.
Mike is currently a partner at Norfolk's oldest law firm, Jewell, Collins and Flood. He and his wife of 18 years, Mandi, were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Norfolk. The Floods live in Norfolk, where they are raising their two sons: Brenden, 15, and Blake, 12.
2ND DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL NOMINEE
Don bacon
Growing up and working on a farm in Illinois, Congressman Don Bacon learned first-hand about hard work and commitment. After graduating from Northern Illinois University, he served in the U.S. Air Force for nearly 30 years, ultimately retiring as a Brigadier General. Congressman Bacon earned a number of military distinctions, as well as two Master's degrees.
Elected to represent Nebraska’s Second District in 2016, he serves as the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations. He also serves on the House Armed Services Committee. He and his wife Angie have three sons, one daughter, and six grandchildren.
3RD DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL NOMINEE
Adrian smith
A lifelong Republican, committed conservative and Gering native whose family has called Nebraska home for six generations, Adrian Smith has consistently fought government overreach, opposed tax increases, protected the rights of gun owners, defended the unborn, and proudly promoted Nebraska.
Since being elected to represent Nebraska’s Third Congressional District, Adrian has sponsored and voted for legislation to defund and repeal Obamacare, prioritize energy independence, secure the border and stem the tide of illegal immigration, promote markets for our farmers and manufacturers, and limit costly and burdensome regulations imposed by the federal government and while holding bureaucrats accountable.
Adrian is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He, his wife Andrea, and their children, Zeke and Savannah, reside in Gering.
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICE NOMINEES
ATTORNEY GENERAL
mike hilgers
Mike Hilgers was born and raised in Nebraska as the middle of five children. With his wife, Heather, Mike is raising his four children, Alice, Elsie, Clara Jane, and Michael. Mike attended Baylor University and received his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School.
Mike Hilgers is a successful small business owner and entrepreneur. He is the founder and owner of the law firm Hilgers Graben PLLC, which helps clients defend their rights in courtrooms around the country. The firm is one of the fastest growing companies in the country, helping to keep talented Nebraskans in Nebraska while recruiting families to our state. Hilgers Graben PLLC has been named Inc. magazine’s 5000 fastest-growing companies three times.
Mike Hilgers has served in the Legislature since 2017 and has been entrusted with leadership by his colleagues every year since his election. He has served as the Rules Chairman, the Chair of the Executive Board, and was elected the Speaker of the 107th Legislature.
STATE TREASURER
JOHN MURANTE
John Murante was born in Omaha and is a proud graduate of Skutt Catholic High School and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He married his wife, Melissa, on December 22, 2007, and they have one daughter, Talia. He is the former President of the iconic Big Fred’s Pizza in Omaha.
Prior to being elected to the office of Treasurer of the State of Nebraska in 2019, John represented the Gretna-based 49th Legislative District in the Nebraska Unicameral. During his time in the Nebraska Legislature, he served as Chairman of the Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee as well as Chairman of the Special Committee on Election Technology in 2016.
As State Senator, John served as the Chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures Elections and Redistricting Standing Committee, and on the advisory committee to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
SECRETARY OF STATE
Bob Evnen
Bob Evnen, the son of parents who started a small Nebraska business that grew into a large, successful food distribution company, learned early about hard work, risk-taking, the importance of strong relationships with others, and the unfailing optimism of entrepreneurs.
Secretary Evnen dedicated his legal career to helping businesses successfully overcome those obstacles. For over 20 years, Secretary Evnen has also been involved in education policy as a private citizen and served on the Nebraska State Board of Education for another 8 years. He has also served as a member of Nebraska Continuing Legal Education, Inc., the education arm of the Nebraska State Bar Association.
Bob Evnen resides in Lincoln with his wife Debra. They have three grown children and two grandchildren, who are sixth generation Nebraskans.
STATE AUDITOR
Mike Foley
Mike Foley became the Lieutenant Governor in 2015 after being elected to the position as the running mate of Governor Pete Ricketts.
Mike served two terms as the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts from 2007 through 2015. His work in that office resulted in the exposure of many millions of dollars of waste, fraud and inefficiency in government operations. Prior to his election as Auditor, Mike served six years in the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature as the State Senator for the 29th District in South Lincoln. While in the Legislature he served on various committees including Appropriations, Banking, Transportation, and Judiciary.
Mike received his undergraduate degree from the State University of New York and his Masters degree from Michigan State University.
Prior to moving to Nebraska, Mike lived 20 years in Washington, DC where he was the Director of Financial Analysis for the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. Mike and his wife Susan have been married for 32 years and are the parents of six children and three grandchildren.
