ELKHORN, Neb. — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz on Tuesday announced Humboldt farmer Ben Steffen as her running mate in Nebraska’s race for governor.
Walz introduced Steffen during a news conference at a farm north of Elkhorn, describing him as someone who shares her vision for the state and has a long record of serving rural Nebraska.
“When I was thinking about who should walk side-by-side with me in the work ahead, I wanted a person who shares a vision for the future that I see,” Walz said. “Someone who also has a deep love for Nebraska and the people who live here.”
Steffen is president of Steffen Ag Inc. and farms land that has been in his family for more than 130 years with his wife, Paula Sue. He has held leadership positions with the Richardson County Farm Bureau, Ag Builders of Nebraska and the Nebraska Association of County Extension Boards. He has also served on several local boards and commissions in Richardson County.
Steffen said he joined the ticket because he believes Walz is the right leader to move Nebraska forward.
He pointed to challenges facing Nebraska, including rising costs, access to rural health care, farm profitability and the state’s budget, while criticizing Gov. Jim Pillen’s administration on property tax relief.
“Lynne Walz is the leader we need now,” Steffen said. “Our commitment to Nebraskans is that we will work together to unify people, find common-sense solutions to the challenges we face and create opportunities for every hardworking person, every business and every farmer to be successful.”
The Pillen campaign criticized Walz’s choice shortly after the announcement, saying it “further solidifies Walz’s liberal record
Walz and Steffen will represent Democrats in the Nov. 3 general election against Republican Gov. Jim Pillen and Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly. Rick Beard is the Legal Marijuana NOW Party nominee for governor. Former state Sen. Brett Lindstrom has filed petitions to run as an independent but has not yet qualified for the ballot.
Editor’s note: Ben Steffen serves as chairman of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association Board of Directors.
