Brandon Bayer, Senior Advisor
New polling shows Nebraska’s Governor deeply underwater with voters in the state
Fremont, NE– A new poll commissioned by the Lynne Walz for Governor campaign shows that Governor Jim Pillen is incredibly unpopular and that Lynne Walz is building momentum.
The poll shows that Jim Pillen’s approval rating has dipped to 32%, with 50% of Nebraska voters disapproving of Pillen. This would make him the least popular governor in the country according to Morning Consult, which tracks Governor approval ratings nationwide.
In addition, the poll shows Walz within 5% of Pillen in a three way matchup that includes Rick Beard, a candidate with the Legal Marijuana Now Party. Pillen polled at 38%, Walz 33%, Beard 12%, while 17% of voters were undecided.
Additional Key findings from the poll include:
- 19% of Independent voters approve of Pillen, while 69% disapprove.
- 58% of Nebraskans say the state is on the wrong track, including 34% of Republicans; Only 28% of voters say the state is moving in the right direction, including
- Lynne Walz is within striking distance of overtaking the incumbent, with only 5 points separating them.
The poll was conducted by Public Policy Polling between April 6-7, 2026. The margin of error for the poll is +/- 3.8%.
“It’s clear Nebraskans are ready for new leadership,” said Brandon Bayer, Senior Advisor to Lynne Walz. “Everyone in the state is asking for property tax relief and struggling with the cost of housing, groceries, and more. When Pillen was elected he inherited a $1.2 billion surplus. This year the legislature had to deal with a $656 million deficit, forcing them to cut vital services for Nebraskans.”
About Lynne
Lynne Walz has spent her life putting Nebraska values into action—hard work, compassion, and service to others. A farm kid from outside Fremont, Lynne grew up hauling water, feeding animals, and learning that nothing gets done without rolling up your sleeves. Those lessons shaped who she is today.
Lynne is running for Governor because Nebraska needs leaders focused on solving problems, not scoring political points. She’ll bring people together to strengthen public schools, keep property taxes in check, and make sure young people can build their futures right here at home.
After high school, Lynne worked as a caretaker for women with developmental disabilities—an experience that taught her deep empathy and has guided her throughout her life. As a young mom, she returned to school at Midland Lutheran College while raising her kids, running an in-home daycare, and working multiple jobs to get ahead.
With her education degree, Lynne continued serving others—working for a nonprofit supporting people with developmental disabilities and later teaching in both public and Catholic schools. She also stepped into community leadership on the Bergan School Board, the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, and the Fremont Board of Realtors.
A lifelong Lutheran, Lynne directs Vacation Bible School and serves on her church council. Her faith grounds her daily decisions and her commitment to treating people with dignity.
In 2016, Lynne was elected to the Legislature—defeating an incumbent Republican in a district Trump carried by 33 points—and was re-elected in 2020. She earned a reputation for reaching across the aisle and delivering results: expanding rural broadband, accelerating highway projects, strengthening teacher recruitment, and supporting first responders. She opposed efforts to defund the police and was honored as Legislator of the Year by the Fraternal Order of Police.
Lynne and her husband, Chris, live in Fremont. They have three adult children and seven grandchildren.
Lynne Walz believes Nebraska’s best days are ahead—and she’s ready to lead with common sense, responsibility, and respect.
