Charles W. Herbster Will Not Run for Governor in 2026

FALLS CITY, NE — Monday, Nebraska agri-businessman Charles W. Herbster announced he will not file to run for governor in the 2026 Republican primary.

“I looked long and hard at challenging Jim Pillen for the Republican nomination for governor,” Herbster said. “Over the past six months, I have held dozens of meetings with political and business leaders across the state to gauge support. While there was a great deal of verbal encouragement and nearly everyone wanted change, very few were willing to publicly support a challenge to the current administration. Anytime you take on an incumbent, you face an uphill battle. A sitting governor has a lot of power and influence, and that is a huge advantage.”

Herbster also cited concerns that a brutal Republican primary for governor might affect other down-ballot races. Many political observers called the 2022 Nebraska Republican governor’s primary one of the nastiest in the country.

"Another campaign like that would hurt other candidates. This 2026 election cycle is too important, and I am not willing to put Nebraskans through that again.”

“I had the funding set aside with a team in place ready to go. However, I believe my time and resources will be better spent on bringing the Nebraska Republican Party back together. I will never be afraid to hold a fellow Republican accountable. I have been critical of Governor Pillen over the past several months, and that criticism has led to several positive policy corrections. I hope the governor and his team continue to make the changes needed to start growing our state again. As critical as I have been, losing the state to a liberal Democrat would be devastating. Governor Pillen will need to step up his game to be successful in November.”

Charles W. Herbster will continue to champion conservative Republican values as Chairman of Rural Americans for President Donald J. Trump and through his work with several organizations, including the America First Policy Institute Executive Committee, and as a board member of CPAC, Moms for America, Victoria’s Voice, and John C. Maxwell & Company. He is also the founder of the Nebraska First and Save Nebraska PACs and a Gold Circle member of the Council for National Policy.