While the Nebraska GOP preached a message of unity in the wake of a primary race that exposed cracks in the party, Charles Herbster's campaign made clear that he won't be endorsing Jim Pillen, the party nominee for governor, just yet.
"Charles is going to continue pursuing all legal avenues until his name is cleared," Herbster spokesperson Emily Novotny said in a statement. "The lawsuit was never about the governor’s race, but about returning honor to Mr. Herbster’s reputation. He will not endorse any gubernatorial candidate until that time."
Charles Herbster mingles with the crowd during the Nebraska Republican Party general election kickoff Wednesday at the GOP state headquarters.
Pillen, a hog producer and University of Nebraska regent, bested Herbster and other Republican gubernatorial candidates Tuesday in a contentious race that featured a volume of negative attacks that observers have called "unprecedented." Herbster and Pillen traded barbs from the get-go, and the dynamic only grew more bitter over time.
It became especially stark in October when former President Donald Trump endorsed Herbster, which then prompted Gov. Pete Ricketts, who supports Pillen, to say Herbster was unqualified for the role.
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In April, the Nebraska Examiner published allegations from eight women that Herbster had touched them inappropriately. At the time, conservative state Sen. Julie Slama was the only named accuser on the record. Elizabeth Todsen, a legislative staffer, went on the record with her name later.
Herbster has vehemently denied all of the allegations and maintained that they're a political hit job coordinated by Pillen and Ricketts. Both men have dismissed Herbster's claim. He filed a defamation lawsuit against Slama, who countersued alleging battery. That legal battle is ongoing.
A member of the campaign previously said lawyers were working on a separate lawsuit against the Examiner. Novotny did not immediately respond to a question regarding the status of that potential suit.
State GOP leaders urged Republicans to unite behind Pillen at an event Wednesday morning. Herbster conceded the race late Tuesday night and was present at that unity event. Sen. Brett Lindstrom, the third-place candidate, also conceded Tuesday and wasn't at the event but endorsed Pillen in his concession speech.
Nebraska results for the 2022 primary election
Statewide races
| Race | Candidate | Vote total |
|---|---|---|
| Governor, R | Donna Carpenter | 1,024 |
| Michael Connely | 1,645 | |
| Charles Herbster | 44,621 | |
| Brett Lindstrom | 44,483 | |
| Lela McNinch | 762 | |
| Jim Pillen | 51,960 | |
| Breland Ridenour | 2,517 | |
| Theresa Thibodeau | 9,577 | |
| Troy Wentz | 65 | |
| Governor, D | Carol Blood | 57,910 |
| Roy Harris | 6,635 | |
| Governor, Lib. | Scott Zimmerman | 823 |
| Attorney general, R | Jennifer Hicks | 35,991 |
| Mike Hilgers | 76,115 | |
| Attorney general, | Larry Bolinger | 568 |
| Legal Marijuana Now | ||
| State treasurer, R | Paul Anderson | 43,735 |
| John Murante | 63,070 | |
| Treasurer, Libertarian | Katrina Tomsen | 970 |
| State auditor, R | Larry Anderson | 31,946 |
| Mike Foley | 81,176 | |
| Auditor, Lib. | Gene Siadek | 946 |
| Auditor, | L. Leroy Lopez | 556 |
| Legal Marijuana Now | ||
| Secretary of state, R | Robert Borer | 33,244 |
| Bob Evnen | 52,301 | |
| Rex Schroder | 25,347 |
U.S. House of Representatives
| Race | Candidate | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| District 1, D | Patty Pansing Brooks | 23,750 |
| Jazari Zakaria | 3,220 | |
| District 1, R | Thireena Connely | 2,107 |
| Mike Flood | 36,758 | |
| Jeff Fortenberry | 5,296 | |
| Curtis Huffman | 1,872 | |
| John Weaver | 3,264 | |
| District 2, D | Alisha Shelton | 9,949 |
| Tony Vargas | 24,212 | |
| District 2, R | Don Bacon | 36,992 |
| Steve Kuehl | 10,179 | |
| District 3, D | David Else | 5,362 |
| Daniel Wik | 5,047 | |
| District 3, R | Mike Calhoun | 16,003 |
| Adrian Smith | 54,245 | |
| District 3 | ||
| Legal Marijuana NOW | Mark Elworth Jr. | 61 |
Legislature
| District | Candidate | Vote total |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Janet Chung | 854 |
| Robert Clements | 1,328 | |
| Sarah Slattery | 494 | |
| Schuyler Windham | 234 | |
| 4 | Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek | 3,598 |
| R. Brad von Gillern | 3,927 | |
| 6 | Machaela Cavanaugh | 3,498 |
| Elizabeth Hallgren | 1,044 | |
| Christian Mirch | 2,727 | |
| 8 | Marilyn Arant Asher | 1,225 |
| Megan Hunt | 3,589 | |
| Katie Opitz | 512 | |
| 10 | Wendy DeBoer | 2,897 |
| Lou Ann Goding | 2,401 | |
| 12 | Bob Borgeson | 939 |
| Haile Kucera | 964 | |
| Robin Richards | 1,098 | |
| Merv Riepe | 2,509 | |
| 14 | John Arch | 1,967 |
| Rob Plugge | 574 | |
| Cori Villegas | 762 | |
| 16 | Ben Hansen | 1,823 |
| Connie Petersen | 649 | |
| 18 | Christy Armendariz | 1,705 |
| Clarice Jackson | 1,617 | |
| Michael Young | 1,801 | |
| 20 | Stu Dornan | 3,597 |
| Julie Fredrickson | 1,791 | |
| John Fredrickson | 2,867 | |
| 22 | Mike Goos | 71 |
| Mike Moser | 685 | |
| Roy Zach | 163 | |
| 24 | Patrick Hotovy | 1,856 |
| Jana Hughes | 2,439 | |
| 26 | Russ Barger | 2,229 |
| George Dungan | 2,179 | |
| Bob Van Valkenburg | 602 | |
| Larry Weixelman | 681 | |
| 28 | Roy Christensen | 2,222 |
| Jane Raybould | 4,309 | |
| Myron Dorn | 7.966 | |
| 32 | Tom Brandt | 3,466 |
| 34 | Loren Lippincott | 3,842 |
| Michael Reimers | 1,202 | |
| 36 | Rick Holdcroft | 2,045 |
| Angie Lauritsen | 1,771 | |
| 38 | Tyler Cappel | 1,363 |
| Dave Murman | 4,447 | |
| 40 | Barry DeKay | 2,940 |
| Robert Johnston | 1,111 | |
| Keith Kube | 2,560 | |
| Mark Patefield | 2,749 | |
| 42 | Chris Bruns | 1,730 |
| Brenda Fourtner | 453 | |
| Mike Jacobson | 1,903 | |
| 44 | Edward Dunn | 1,839 |
| Teresa Ibach | 6,075 | |
| 46 | James Bowers | 959 |
| Danielle Conrad | 1,100 | |
| James Herrold | 420 | |
| 48 | Talon Cordle | 2 |
| Brian Hardin | 74 | |
| Don Lease | 112 | |
| Scott Shaver | 27 | |
| Jeremiah Teeple | 19 |
Public Service Commission
| Race | Candidate | Vote total |
|---|---|---|
| District 4, R | Rod Johnson | 12,069 |
| Eric Kamler | 16,613 | |
| District 5, R | Dakota Delka | 5,117 |
| Mary Ridder | 14,002 | |
| Kevin Stocker | 12,929 |
Lancaster County races
| Race | Candidate | Vote total |
|---|---|---|
| County Board District 3, R | Matt Schulte | XX |
| Travis Filing | XX | |
| Deb Schorr | XX | |
| County treasurer, R | Tracy L. Refior | XX |
| Jasmine Gibson | XX | |
| Public defender, D | Kristi Egger | XX |
| Joe Nigro | XX |
Other Southeast Nebraska contests
| Race | Candidate | Vote total |
|---|---|---|
| SCC board, District 5 | Josie Rodriguez | 2,945 |
| Megan Neiles-Brasch | 3,358 | |
| JoAnn M. Herrington | 3,715 | |
| Lower Platte South NRD, | David A. Kendle | 312 |
| Subdistrict 1 | Jim Schultz | 698 |
| Gary Hellerich | 1,181 | |
| Eagle-recognize as city | For | |
| Against |
Photos: Nebraska primary day 2022
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Brett Lindstrom, Republican candidate for Nebraska governor, walks off the stage, with results projected on him, after conceding the race during an election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday. The race was called for Jim Pillen.
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Brett Lindstrom, Republican candidate for Nebraska governor, concedes the race during an election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday. The race was called for Jim Pillen.
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Brett Lindstrom, Republican candidate for Nebraska governor, concedes the race during an election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday. The race was called for Jim Pillen.
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Addison Kloeckner, 11, of Papillion, wears a patriotic hair bow during the Brett Lindstrom for Governor election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday. The race was called for Jim Pillen.
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Members of the media await results during the Brett Lindstrom for Governor election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday. The race was called for Jim Pillen.
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Supporters gather during the Brett Lindstrom for Governor election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday. The race was called for Jim Pillen.
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Supporters listen as Brett Lindstrom, Republican candidate for Nebraska governor, concedes the race during an election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday. The race was called for Jim Pillen.
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Brian Michael, of Elkhorn, looks over results during the Brett Lindstrom for Governor election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday. The race was called for Jim Pillen.
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Supporters listen as Brett Lindstrom, Republican candidate for Nebraska governor, concedes the race during an election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday. The race was called for Jim Pillen.
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Nebraska 2nd Congressional District candidate Alisha Shelton smiles during a press interview during a watch party at Legend's Bar and Grill in Omaha on Tuesday.
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Nebraska 2nd Congressional District candidate Tony Vargas delivers his victory speech with his wife, Lauren (left), during a watch party at Beercade 2 in Omaha on Tuesday.
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Nebraska 2nd Congressional District candidate Tony Vargas laughs during his victory speech with his wife, Lauren (left), during a watch party at Beercade 2 in Omaha on Tuesday.
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State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha and wife Lauren wait during an applause break in his victory speech at Beercade 2 in Omaha on Tuesday. The Democratic primary winner next will face incumbent Rep. Don Bacon for the 2nd Congressional District seat.
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Nebraska 2nd Congressional District candidate Tony Vargas gives his victory speech during a watch party at Beercade 2 in Omaha on Tuesday.
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Nebraska congressional candidate Alisha Shelton speaks with media during a watch party at Legend's Bar and Grill in Omaha on Tuesday.
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Nebraska congressional candidate Alisha Shelton speaks with media during a watch party at Legend's Bar and Grill in Omaha on Tuesday.
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Nebraska congressional candidate Alisha Shelton speaks with media during a watch party at Legend's Bar and Grill in Omaha on Tuesday.
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Nebraska 2nd Congressional District candidate Tony Vargas waits during an applause break in his victory speech during a watch party at Beercade 2 in Omaha on Tuesday.
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Nebraska 2nd Congressional District candidate Tony Vargas gives his victory speech during a watch party at Beercade 2 in Omaha on Tuesday.
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Yard signs fill the area outside the Brett Lindstrom for Governor election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday.
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Vicki Allen, of Elkhorn, takes a photos of the first wave of results during the Brett Lindstrom for Governor election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday.
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Supporters gather during the Brett Lindstrom for Governor election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday.
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Beth Kramer, the finances director with the campaign, wears American flag high heels during the Brett Lindstrom for Governor election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday.
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Dave Rippe, the Lindstrom running mate, talks with supporters during the Brett Lindstrom for Governor election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday.
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Dave Rippe, the Lindstrom running mate, speaks during the Brett Lindstrom for Governor election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday.
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Jana Lindstrom, Brett Lindstrom's cousin, watches over his daughter, Olivia, 5, during the Brett Lindstrom for Governor election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday.
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Brett Lindstrom, Republican candidate for Nebraska governor, speaks with supports during an election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday.
Lindstrom watch party
Brett Lindstrom, Republican candidate for Nebraska governor, speaks with supports during an election results watch party in Omaha on Tuesday.
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Volunteer District Inspector Marilyn Blakemore deposits a completed ballot for the Nebraska primary at Flatland Church on Tuesday.
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Aliza Schachter-Fuerst, 5, enjoys her "I Voted Today" sticker after her father Matt Fuerst voted in the Nebraska Primary at Flatland Church on Tuesday.
Brett Lindstrom: When you run a clean campaign, you don't have to apologize
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Signs direct voters to their polling place in Nebraska's primary election on Tuesday at Werner Park.
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Voters fill out their ballots at Fontenelle Forest during Nebraska's primary election on Tuesday.
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Voters head to their polling place at Fontenelle Forest during Nebraska's primary election on Tuesday.
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Voters fill out their ballots in Nebraska's primary election on Tuesday at Werner Park.
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Head Groundskeeper Zach Ricketts, left, works on the field while Carol Szczepaniak votes in Nebraska's primary election on Tuesday at Werner Park.
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Voters fill pick up their ballots at Fontenelle Forest during Nebraska's primary election on Tuesday.
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Jim Pillen receives a sticker after voting at his polling place, Columbus Berean Church, in Columbus, Nebraska, on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.
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Jim Pillen votes at his polling place, Columbus Berean Church, in Columbus, Nebraska, on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.
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Jim Pillen and his wife Suzanne Pillen speak with Linda Paitz (second from right) and Fred Weinand (right) after voting at their polling place, Columbus Berean Church, in Columbus, Nebraska, on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.
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Jim Pillen turns his ballot into Linda Paitz at his polling place, Columbus Berean Church, in Columbus, Nebraska, on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.
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Larnisha Dortch fills out her ballot at Fontenelle Forest during Nebraska's primary election on Tuesday.
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Volunteer District Inspector Marilyn Blakemore, left, takes the ballot from State Sen. Brett Lindstrom after he voted in the Nebraska Primary at Flatland Church on Tuesday. Lindstrom is running for Governor of Nebraska.
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Aliza Schachter-Fuerst, 5, tries to peek at her father, Matt Fuerst's ballot while voting in the Nebraska Primary at Flatland Church on Tuesday.
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Signs for political candidates line an entrance to the polling place at Flatland Church on Tuesday.
