Jim Pillen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Pillen
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Pillen in 2025
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| 41st Governor of Nebraska | |
| Assumed office January 5, 2023 |
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| Lieutenant | Joe Kelly |
| Preceded by | Pete Ricketts |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 31, 1955 Columbus, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Suzanne Pillen |
| Children | 4 |
| Residence | Governor's Mansion |
| Education | University of Nebraska–Lincoln (BS) Kansas State University (DVM) |
| College football career | |
| No. 29 | |
| Position | Defensive back |
| Career history | |
| College | Nebraska (1975–1978) |
| High school | Lakeview (Columbus, Nebraska) |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Jim Pillen, born on December 31, 1955, is an American politician, veterinarian, and farmer. He is currently the 41st governor of Nebraska, a role he has held since 2023. He belongs to the Republican Party. Before becoming governor, Pillen was part of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents from 2013 to 2023.
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Early Life and Education
Jim Pillen was born in Columbus, Nebraska. His parents, Dale and Dorothy Pillen, were farmers. His father, Dale, served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Jim's grandfather moved to the United States from Germany and also served in the U.S. military during World War I.
School and College Years
After finishing high school at Lakeview Junior-Senior High School in 1974, Pillen went to college. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Later, he received a degree in veterinary medicine from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Football Career
From 1975 to 1978, Pillen played defensive back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. Their coach was Tom Osborne. Pillen was recognized for his football achievements and was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Career Before Governor
Jim Pillen is a practicing veterinarian. He also leads Pillen Family Farms, a family business that acquired DNA Genetics in 2003.
Community Involvement
Pillen has been very involved in his community. He served as president of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. He also chaired the Columbus Community Hospital Board of Directors. From 2012 to 2023, he was a member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. This board helps manage the University of Nebraska System. He was even the vice-chair in 2018 and the chair in 2020.
Running for Governor
Pillen was the Republican candidate for governor in the 2022 Nebraska gubernatorial election. During the primary election, he chose not to debate his opponents. He received support from the previous governor, Pete Ricketts, and former governor Kay A. Orr. Pillen won the Republican nomination with about 33.75% of the votes. His running mate was Joseph P. Kelly, a former U.S. Attorney. Pillen's campaign focused on his views on certain social issues and education topics. In the general election, he again chose not to debate his opponent, Carol Blood.
Pillen was elected governor with 59.2% of the votes. He officially started his term on January 5, 2023. A week after becoming governor, he appointed his predecessor, Pete Ricketts, to a United States Senate seat. This seat became open when Senator Ben Sasse resigned to become president of the University of Florida.
Governor of Nebraska
Election to Office
The previous Republican governor, Pete Ricketts, could not run for a third term. Jim Pillen won the election for governor by a large margin of 23 points. The primary elections in Nebraska were held on May 10, 2022. Pillen won the Republican nomination, and state senator Carol Blood won the Democratic nomination.
The election became even more important in October 2022. U.S. Senator Ben Sasse announced he would resign. Governor Ricketts then said that the winner of the 2022 gubernatorial election would choose Sasse's replacement. After winning, Governor Pillen appointed Ricketts to fill the Senate seat.
Time as Governor
In October 2023, Governor Pillen faced some criticism. This happened after a reporter wrote about high levels of certain substances found at his farms. The reporter, Yanqi Xu, stated that 16 of Pillen's farms had levels five times higher than what is considered safe for drinking water. Governor Pillen responded by questioning the reporter's background. The Asian American Journalists Association later released a statement. They said that Xu, an investigative reporter from China, should be able to do her job without being judged because of her nationality.
Special Session on Property Taxes
In July 2024, Governor Pillen called a special meeting of the Legislature. He had announced this plan earlier in April. The purpose of this special session was to discuss property taxes. However, some state senators were not happy about the special session. They also expressed frustration with some of the ideas presented, including those requested by the governor.
Personal Life
Jim Pillen is married to Suzanne, and they have four children. They also have seven grandchildren. Pillen is a member of the Catholic faith.
In December 2024, Pillen was in a horseback riding accident in Columbus, Nebraska. He was hospitalized with serious but not life-threatening injuries.
Electoral History
Jim Pillen has participated in several elections. Here are the results of the 2022 elections where he ran for governor.
2022 Election Results
In the Republican primary election for governor in 2022, Jim Pillen won the nomination.
- Jim Pillen: 91,459 votes (33.9%)
- Charles Herbster: 80,642 votes (29.9%)
- Brett Lindstrom: 70,487 votes (26.1%)
- Theresa Thibodeau: 16,413 votes (6.1%)
- Other candidates received fewer votes.
In the general election for governor in 2022, Jim Pillen won against his opponents.
- Jim Pillen (Republican): 398,334 votes (59.22%)
- Carol Blood (Democratic): 242,006 votes (35.98%)
- Scott Zimmerman (Libertarian): 26,445 votes (3.93%)
See also
In Spanish: Jim Pillen para niños
