Lynne Walz
Democratic candidate for Governor and Lt. Governor, Nebraska · Challenger
Realtor and small business owner; former teacher and former Nebraska state senator
Lynne Walz of Fremont is a Realtor, small business owner, former teacher and former state senator for Nebraska Legislative District 15 (2017–2025). She formed an exploratory committee in November 2025, held a statewide listening tour and announced her campaign for governor on January 21, 2026. She won the Democratic nomination in the May 12, 2026 primary, and her running mate is farmer Ben Steffen.
Where Walz stands
- Medical marijuana
- Says she would sign an executive order on her first day in office so patients can get medical marijuana with a doctor's prescription. She would also replace Medical Cannabis Commission members who do not carry out the 2024 voter-approved law.
- Property taxes
- Calls property tax a major affordability issue and links it to the rising age of first-time homebuyers. She says property tax relief should get priority over social issues.
- Affordability and child care
- Proposes more collaboration and shared resources among local entities to lower costs. One example is businesses opening daycares, or nursing homes and daycares working together.
- School choice / vouchers
- Says that on her first day as governor she would reject school voucher funds.
- Government accountability
- Says that on her first day as governor she would hire an independent auditor. She also says state officials should respect ballot measures that voters have passed.
- Economy and public schools
- Says the governor should focus on creating and attracting good-paying jobs, supporting public schools and lowering the cost of food and other daily expenses.
- Transgender student athletes
- As a senator, voted against advancing the 2024 Sports and Spaces Act out of the Education Committee. She says the Nebraska School Activities Association already had policies in place, so the Legislature did not need to focus on the issue.
- Bipartisanship
- Says she will work with people of any party. She cites endorsements from four former Republican legislative colleagues.
Background
- Nebraska state senator, Legislative District 15 (Fremont area), 2017–2025
- Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor of Nebraska, 2018
- Served on the Legislature's Education Committee
- Realtor and small business owner; former teacher
- B.A. in elementary education, Midland Lutheran College (1994)
- Graduated from Arlington High School (1981); born in Fremont, Nebraska
- Won the 2026 Democratic gubernatorial primary (May 12, 2026)
In the news
- Lynne Walz aims to unite Nebraska during campaign stop KCAU (via Yahoo News), October 22, 2026
- Election 2026: Lynne Walz promises to expedite medical marijuana on ‘day one’ — and stay focused on property taxes WOWT, October 19, 2026
Also running for Governor and Lt. Governor
- Jim Pillen Republican
- Rick Beard Legal Marijuana NOW
- Brett Lindstrom America First
Sources
- WOWT one-on-one interview (Oct. 2026)
- Nebraska Examiner campaign launch
- Nebraska Examiner primary voter guide
- Omaha World-Herald platform rollout
- KCAU/Yahoo campaign stop
- Nebraska Public Media campaign announcement
- Wikipedia: 2026 Nebraska gubernatorial election (running mate, primary result)
Last researched October 23, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.
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