OMAHA- Former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom has launched an independent petition campaign for Nebraska governor, setting up a potential three-way race against incumbent Gov. Jim Pillen and Democratic candidate Lynne Walz. After leaving the Republican Party earlier this year, Lindstrom said Nebraska needs "another choice" and criticized the state's fiscal management and economic direction. To qualify for the November ballot, he must gather 4,000 valid signatures by Aug. 3. His running mate is former Republican Mike Picard, a Navy veteran and youth sports advocate. Pillen's campaign dismissed Lindstrom's candidacy as politically motivated, while Walz's campaign argued that despite his party switch, Lindstrom's legislative record remains firmly conservative.

Lindstrom, who lost to Pillen in the 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary, is attempting to capitalize on dissatisfaction with the governor while distancing himself from partisan politics. Pillen's campaign criticized Lindstrom as a career politician with no viable path to victory. Political experts interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald said Lindstrom faces long odds, noting that independent candidates struggle to overcome Nebraska's strong Republican advantage and the lack of a party organization. Still, they acknowledged Pillen's low approval ratings could create an opening if Lindstrom is able to build enough support among dissatisfied voters. Lindstrom previously ran for the 2nd congressional district seat in this year's primary election, dropping out before election day, also having unsuccessfully run for the seat in the 2012 GOP primary. He was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2014, serving the state's 18th district for 8 years before facing term limits.

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