Jim Pillen

Jim Pillen
Pillen in 2025
Jim Pillen
Born	James Douglas Pillen 31 12, 1955
Birthplace	Columbus, Nebraska, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician, veterinarian, livestock producer
Title	41st Governor of Nebraska
Known for	41st Governor of Nebraska
Education	University of Nebraska–Lincoln (BS) Kansas State University (DVM)
Spouse(s)	Suzanne Pillen
Children	4
Awards	Council of Governors appointee (2026)
Website	[Official website Official site]

James Douglas Pillen (born December 31, 1955) is an American politician, veterinarian, and livestock producer serving as the 41st Governor of Nebraska since January 5, 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Pillen previously served on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents from 2013 to 2023. Before entering politics, Pillen built a career in agriculture as the founder of Pillen Family Farms, one of Nebraska's largest hog production operations, and practiced veterinary medicine. A former Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back who played under legendary coach Tom Osborne in the late 1970s, Pillen has maintained close ties to the university and the state's agricultural community throughout his public life. He won the 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary in a competitive three-way race and went on to win the general election, succeeding fellow Republican Pete Ricketts. As governor, Pillen has focused on issues including property tax relief, education policy, and infrastructure development. In February 2026, President Donald Trump appointed Pillen to the Council of Governors, a bipartisan group focused on national security, disaster response, and military coordination.

Early Life

James Douglas Pillen was born on December 31, 1955, in Columbus, Nebraska. He grew up in the Columbus area, where he attended Lakeview High School. Pillen was raised in a family connected to agriculture, and his upbringing in rural Nebraska shaped his later career in livestock production and his political focus on issues affecting farming communities.

As a high school student at Lakeview, Pillen distinguished himself as a football player, earning recognition that led to his recruitment by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He played as a defensive back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team from 1975 to 1978, wearing jersey number 29. During his time as a Cornhusker, Pillen played under head coach Tom Osborne, who would later become a key political ally. His experience as a student-athlete at Nebraska fostered a lifelong connection to the university and its athletic programs.

Pillen has spoken publicly about the role of his Catholic faith in shaping his personal and professional life. In a 2026 interview with EWTN News, he stated, "There's no way I could possibly be governor without my faith," describing how religious conviction has guided his decision-making throughout his career.

Education

Pillen attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree while also playing football for the Cornhuskers from 1975 to 1978. Following his undergraduate studies, Pillen pursued a career in veterinary medicine, attending the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University, where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. His veterinary training provided the foundation for his subsequent career in livestock production, particularly in the swine industry.

Career

Pillen Family Farms

After completing his veterinary education at Kansas State University, Pillen returned to Nebraska, where he founded Pillen Family Farms, a hog production operation based in the Columbus area. Under his leadership, the company grew to become one of Nebraska's largest pork producers. The business was built on a model that integrated veterinary science with modern livestock production practices. Pillen's dual expertise as a veterinarian and farmer allowed him to develop the operation over several decades into a significant agricultural enterprise in the state.

The founding and growth of Pillen Family Farms became a central element of Pillen's public identity and later his political campaigns, where he emphasized his background as a farmer and small-business operator rooted in Nebraska's agricultural economy.

University of Nebraska Board of Regents

Pillen entered public service through his election to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, where he served from 2013 to 2023. As a regent, Pillen was involved in governance and policy decisions affecting the University of Nebraska system, which comprises multiple campuses across the state. His tenure on the board coincided with a period of significant discussions about the university's budget, tuition rates, and academic programs.

Pillen's service on the Board of Regents raised his public profile and provided him with experience in institutional governance. His position also kept him closely connected to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he had played football decades earlier, and to the broader educational community in the state.

2022 Gubernatorial Campaign

Primary election

In 2021, Pillen announced his candidacy for Governor of Nebraska, seeking to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Pete Ricketts. The Republican primary became a competitive and closely watched contest, featuring three major candidates: Pillen, agribusinessman Charles Herbster, and State Senator Brett Lindstrom.

The race attracted national attention in part due to the involvement of former President Donald Trump, who endorsed Herbster. The Herbster candidacy was complicated when multiple women, including a Republican state senator, accused him of groping, allegations that Herbster denied. The allegations became a significant factor in the primary campaign and drew further national media scrutiny to the race.

Pillen, by contrast, secured the endorsement of former Governor Ricketts and former Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne, leveraging his connections to the state's political and athletic establishments. His campaign emphasized his background as a farmer, veterinarian, and former Husker athlete, positioning himself as a candidate deeply rooted in Nebraska's communities and values.

A notable aspect of Pillen's primary campaign strategy was his decision to decline participation in primary debates. He turned down multiple debate invitations, a move that drew criticism from his Republican opponents, who argued that voters deserved to hear the candidates engage directly with one another on policy issues. Pillen's avoidance of debates was part of a broader trend observed nationally among Republican primary candidates during the 2022 cycle, as noted by Politico.

On May 10, 2022, Pillen won the Republican primary, defeating Herbster and Lindstrom despite Herbster's Trump endorsement. The result was seen as a significant rebuke of Trump's influence in the race, with multiple national outlets noting that Pillen's victory came without the former president's backing. NPR reported that the outcome highlighted the limits of Trump endorsements in certain races, particularly where local endorsements and established state-level political networks played a competing role.

General election

Following his primary victory, Pillen advanced to the November 2022 general election as the Republican nominee. In a state where Republicans hold a substantial registration advantage and have dominated statewide elections, Pillen was favored in the general election contest. He won the election and became the 41st Governor of Nebraska.

Governorship

Inauguration and early tenure

Jim Pillen was inaugurated as the 41st Governor of Nebraska on January 5, 2023, with Joe Kelly serving as his lieutenant governor. He succeeded Pete Ricketts, who had served two terms as governor before being appointed to the United States Senate following the resignation of Ben Sasse.

Policy priorities

As governor, Pillen has focused on several policy areas including property tax relief, education reform, and support for Nebraska's agricultural sector. His administration has pursued initiatives related to infrastructure and regulatory reform. In February 2026, Pillen announced a partnership with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy through the Federal Highway Administration aimed at reducing regulatory requirements for transportation projects in Nebraska.

Council of Governors appointment

In February 2026, President Donald Trump appointed Pillen to the Council of Governors, a bipartisan group of state governors established to advise the federal government on matters related to national security, disaster response, the National Guard, and coordination between state and federal military authorities. The appointment was also reported by the Nebraska Examiner, which noted Pillen's inclusion in the group focused on military coordination and homeland defense matters.

Controversies

Pillen's governorship has not been without controversy. In early 2026, questions arose regarding a $2.5 million no-bid state contract, which drew scrutiny from media outlets and members of the public. A Lincoln-area resident formally asked Nebraska lawmakers to investigate and potentially impeach Pillen over the contract. In January 2026, Pillen's staff shielded him from reporters' questions about the no-bid contract and comments he had made at a town hall during his attendance at an Omaha Chamber of Commerce event.

Public engagements

As governor, Pillen has maintained a schedule of public appearances and engagements across the state. In February 2026, he was scheduled to speak to University of Nebraska–Lincoln students and the general public at an event hosted by Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization.

Personal Life

Jim Pillen is married to Suzanne Pillen. The couple has four children. The Pillen family has been based in the Columbus, Nebraska, area, where Pillen built his livestock production business. During the 2022 gubernatorial campaign, the question of whether having children should matter in a governor's race became a point of contention between Pillen and Herbster, with Pillen emphasizing his role as a father as part of his qualifications for office.

Pillen has publicly discussed the importance of his Catholic faith in his personal life and his approach to governance. In a 2026 interview, he described his faith as essential to his ability to serve as governor and discussed how it has informed his positions on issues including pro-life policy and immigration.

As governor, Pillen resides at the Nebraska Governor's Mansion in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Recognition

Pillen's victory in the 2022 Republican primary attracted significant national media attention, with coverage from The New York Times, NPR, Politico, and other outlets highlighting the race as a test case for the influence of Trump endorsements in Republican primaries. His defeat of Trump-endorsed candidate Charles Herbster was cited as evidence that endorsements by the former president did not guarantee electoral success in all contexts.

In February 2026, Pillen was appointed by President Trump to the Council of Governors, a bipartisan advisory body composed of ten governors that advises the federal government on matters pertaining to the National Guard, homeland defense, and civil support operations. The appointment recognized Pillen's role as a state executive with responsibilities related to Nebraska's National Guard and emergency management functions.

As a former Nebraska Cornhuskers football player, Pillen is recognized within the university's athletic community. His football career under coach Tom Osborne and his subsequent service on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents have maintained his connection to the institution across several decades.