Jim Pillen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Pillen
|
|
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg)
Pillen in 2025
|
|
| 41st Governor of Nebraska | |
| Assumed office January 5, 2023 |
|
| 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 | |
|
|
James Douglas Pillen (born December 31, 1955) is an American politician and veterinarian. He is currently the 41st governor of Nebraska, a role he has held since 2023. Before becoming governor, Pillen was a member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents from 2013 to 2023. He belongs to the Republican Party.
Contents
Jim Pillen's Early Life and Education
Jim Pillen was born in Columbus, Nebraska, on December 31, 1955. His parents, Dale and Dorothy Pillen, were farmers. His father, Dale Pillen, served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Jim Pillen's grandfather moved to the United States from Germany and also served in the U.S. military during World War I.
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.
Playing Football for Nebraska
From 1975 to 1978, Jim Pillen played as a defensive back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. Their coach was Tom Osborne. In 2004, he was honored by being added to the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame.
Jim Pillen's Career Before Governor
Jim Pillen is a practicing veterinarian. He also leads Pillen Family Farms, a business that includes members of his family. In 2003, his family's business bought another company called DNA Genetics.
Pillen has also been involved in his community. He served as president of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. He also led the Columbus Community Hospital Board of Directors.
From 2012, he served on 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 in 2022
In 2022, Jim Pillen became the Republican candidate for governor of Nebraska. During the primary election, he chose not to debate the other candidates from his party. He received support from the current governor, Pete Ricketts, and former governor Kay A. Orr.
Pillen won the Republican nomination with about 33.75% of the votes. He ran against several other candidates, including Charles Herbster and Brett Lindstrom. His running mate, who would become Lieutenant Governor, was Joseph P. Kelly.
Jim Pillen as Governor of Nebraska
Jim Pillen was elected governor with 59.2% of the votes. He defeated the Democratic candidate, Carol Blood. He officially started his term as governor on January 5, 2023.
One week after becoming governor, he appointed his predecessor, Pete Ricketts, to the United States Senate. This Senate seat became open when Ben Sasse resigned to become president of the University of Florida.
Key Decisions as Governor
As governor, Jim Pillen has made several important decisions. In June 2023, he signed a bill into law that requires voters in Nebraska to show a photo ID. This change aims to make elections more secure.
In October 2023, Governor Pillen faced questions about water quality on some of his farms. A reporter wrote about high levels of nitrates, which are chemicals, in the water. Governor Pillen responded to the report, and his comments about the reporter's background caused some discussion. The Asian American Journalists Association released a statement about the importance of reporters doing their jobs without being judged unfairly.
Special Session on Property Taxes
In July 2024, Governor Pillen called a special meeting of the Nebraska Legislature. The main goal of this meeting was to discuss and find solutions for property taxes. Some state senators expressed concerns about the special session and the ideas presented.
Jim Pillen's Personal Life
Jim Pillen is married to Suzanne Pillen. They have four children and seven grandchildren. He is a member of the Catholic faith.
In December 2024, Governor Pillen was in a horseback riding accident in Columbus, Nebraska. He was hospitalized with serious but not life-threatening injuries.
Images for kids
-
Final results by county in the 2022 Nebraska gubernatorial election.
See also
In Spanish: Jim Pillen para niños
