LINCOLN— Former Nebraska state Sen. Brett Lindstrom has joined the newly recognized America First Party as he attempts to revive his campaign for governor. Lindstrom, who left the Republican Party earlier this year and initially pursued a nonpartisan campaign, submitted about 64 signatures from America First Party members and needs at least 25 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. His first attempt failed after only 3,358 of the 5,765 signatures he submitted were validated, with some signatures connected to an ongoing investigation into alleged petition fraud. Lindstrom said his new campaign is intended to give Nebraskans another option beyond Republican Gov. Jim Pillen and Democratic nominee Lynne Walz.

If Lindstrom qualifies, the governor's race would feature four candidates: Pillen, Walz, Legal Marijuana NOW nominee Rick Beard and Lindstrom. Lindstrom is campaigning on his “Nebraska Doctrine,” which addresses issues including property taxes, housing, public power, economic development and artificial intelligence. America First Party Chair John Cartier said the party hopes to provide a home for conservatives dissatisfied with the Nebraska Republican Party, while Lindstrom has emphasized that he intends to campaign independently of traditional party politics and appeal to voters frustrated with political polarization. Election officials expect to determine whether Lindstrom has enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.

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