Lynne Walz concedes to Pillen in governor race

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Today, Democratic challenger Lynne Walz issued a statement conceding the Nebraska governor race to Gov. Jim Pillen.

Walz said she spoke with Pillen to congratulate him.

“Earlier this morning, I spoke with Governor Pillen to congratulate him on a hard-fought campaign and wish him well as he continues to serve Nebraska,” Walz said. “This isn’t the result we hoped for, but this campaign was always about bringing Nebraskans together, and that work doesn’t end today. Nebraskans will be watching to make sure our leaders in Lincoln deliver, and I’ll be right there with them.”

Walz extended her gratitude to Nebraska in her statement.

“I again want to thank my family, my running mate Ben and his wife Paula Sue, and all of the incredible volunteers and supporters we met along the way,” she wrote. “Ben and I are proud of the campaign we ran and even prouder of the people who stood with us. The best days for Nebraska are still ahead of us. Thank you, Nebraska, for opening your doors to me this year. My family and I are truly grateful.”

Pillen listed plans for Nebraskans after his win.

“It is an absolute honor to serve the extraordinary people and state of Nebraska,” Pillen said. “We’ve made a lot of progress over the last four years — and we aren’t done yet. We will fight for our kids, we will fight to lower taxes, and we will fight for Nebraska’s family farms and ranches. We will defend the values that make this state great. And we will make sure to share Nebraska’s amazing story with the rest of the world.”

He thanked Nebraskans for support and prayers.

“For generations, Nebraska has been about faith, family, hard work, and the American Dream,” Pillen said. “Suzanne and I — and our entire family — cannot thank the people of this state enough for your support and prayers. There truly is no better place than Nebraska, and we look forward to the work we’ll accomplish — together — over these next four years.”