Jim
Pillen

An updated report highlighted Pillen's appointments of two former lawmakers and an accountant to the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board, raising fresh concerns about political influence over budget projections as a significant state deficit approaches.

Pillen told WOWT he would not debate Democratic challenger Lynne Walz, saying 'You don't need to get and have theater for an hour. I got four years of action.' WOWT noted he also declined a debate in 2022, calling it 'political theater' at the time.

In a WOWT interview, Pillen said police had not interviewed him and stated his office 'didn't have anything to do with what they're looking at,' adding 'I have nothing to do with it.' The investigation into the no-bid contract awarded to a Pillen-recommended contractor remained ongoing.

Campaign finance filings showed Pillen had raised about $12.7 million for the cycle with $7.5 million cash on hand, compared to Walz's $3.8 million raised and $860,000 on hand. Pillen claimed a 9-to-1 cash advantage over his opponent.

A YouGov poll of likely Nebraska voters conducted Sept. 24–Oct. 3 showed Pillen leading Walz by a single point, 44% to 43%. It was the only public poll identified in a 14-day polling average, providing a limited but notable snapshot of a close race.

At the Grand Island rally, President Trump mispronounced or mangled Governor Pillen's name while speaking directly to him, adding to a series of noted verbal flubs at the event.

Governor Pillen told Newsmax that conservatives must stick together, reinforcing his alignment with the national Republican and Trump political brand ahead of the November election.

President Donald Trump held a rally in Grand Island on Oct. 5—the first presidential visit to the area since 2006—where Pillen was among Nebraska officials who spoke. Nebraska early in-person voting also began that day.

Among top Nebraska officials, Pillen stood alone in advocating for a diesel export ban, a position that set him apart from others in his party and state government.

At an event outside Omaha, Pillen secured endorsements from the NRA and former state Sen. Tom Brewer. He said strengthening the Second Amendment was 'a no-brainer' and expressed full support for making Nebraska a stand-your-ground state.

A group used the controversy surrounding the no-bid contract awarded under Pillen's recommendation to launch a small-business grant program, publicly mocking the governor in the process.

The Nebraska retirement director resigned after less than six months on the job, adding to a string of administrative departures during Pillen's tenure.

Lawmakers differed on how much influence Pillen's newly appointed former legislators would have on the state's revenue forecasting board, with critics concerned about politicization and supporters downplaying the impact.

Records surfaced raising further questions about the influence of a contractor Pillen had recommended who received a $2.5 million no-bid contract from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

Pillen appointed former state Sens. Lou Ann Linehan and Tom Briese, among others, to the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board. Critics raised concerns about the timing and possible political influence as the state faced a projected $208 million 2027 budget shortfall.

The Secretary of State certified the ballot on Sept. 11. The governor's race includes Republican incumbent Jim Pillen, Democrat Lynne Walz, America First Party candidate Brett Lindstrom, and Legal Marijuana NOW Party candidate Rick Beard. The general election is set for Nov. 3.