In District 21, Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln is seeking a full term after he was appointed to the seat by then-Gov. Pete Ricketts in consultation with current Gov. Jim Pillen to replace Sen. Mike Hilgers, who left office when he won the attorney general's race in 2022.
Ballard, a Republican and small business owner, is being challenged by Seth Derner, a Democrat from Lincoln who also owns a business.
The district encompasses northwest Lincoln and northern Lancaster County.
District 21: Beau Ballard
Age:Ìý30
Home:Ìý³¢¾±²Ô³¦´Ç±ô²Ô
Occupation:Â Business owner
Party:Ìý¸é±ð±è³Ü²ú±ô¾±³¦²¹²Ô
Elected offices held:Â State senator, District 21
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·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýBachelor's in Business Administration and Political Science, Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colorado; Master's in Business Administration, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Family:Â Kate (married)
°Â±ð²ú²õ¾±³Ù±ð:Ìý
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office to continue working for my family, friends and neighbors in District 21. In the last two sessions, the Nebraska Legislature has implemented the largest tax cut in state history, invested in our schools and critical infrastructure, and worked to reduce the cost of health care and housing. However, I believe more work is needed to continue to make Nebraska the best place to live, work and raise a family.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
I grew up in a small, family-owned business in Raymond. As part of a value-added agricultural business, I learned the value of hard work and the importance of family. After college, I returned to Nebraska to start my own business in downtown Lincoln. In 2022, I was appointed to fill a vacancy in the unicameral as the representative for District 21, where I have been a lifelong resident. I have a proven record of cutting taxes, investing in education and infrastructure, and controlling spending.
What is your top priority?
Nebraska ranks among the highest in the nation for property tax burden. Therefore, Nebraska’s current tax system creates an uncompetitive environment for its residents, agricultural producers and commercial businesses, which is why I believe that should be the Nebraska Legislature's top priority. The Nebraska Legislature took major steps forward in the previous two years with increases in state funding to education and caps on spending; however, there is more work to be done.
What do you think the single most important challenge facing our state is, and how do you propose to address it?
After property tax, the single most important issue facing our state is workforce. Nebraska does not have enough workers to fill critical roles, including in our health care, education, manufacturing and agricultural industries. The Nebraska Legislature must take steps to ensure that Nebraska's businesses have access to a strong workforce. To achieve this goal, we have to look at policies that promote quality child care, affordable housing, a competitive tax environment and high quality of life.
What role should the Legislature play in regulating access to abortion, contraception and fertility treatments?
As a small-business owner and entrepreneur, I am very concerned about the policies that create more growth and opportunity for our community. I am running primarily to focus on those issues. However, the Legislature sets statewide policy, including important social issues. On abortion, I believe in the inherent dignity of every life, and strongly support policies that take into consideration the life and well-being of mothers.
Do you support or oppose efforts to replace Nebraska’s unique system for counting electoral college votes with the winner-take-all model? Why?
I believe that Nebraska should be represented with one voice. All of our electoral votes should be awarded to the candidate who promotes the best policies for the entire state of Nebraska. Forty-eight other states realize that each state should put its whole weight behind a candidate that best represents its interest.
District 21: Seth Derner
Age:Ìý49
±á´Ç³¾±ð:ÌýLincoln
°¿³¦³¦³Ü±è²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýFounder and senior consultant, Vivayic Inc. Vivayic helps grow businesses by leveraging technology to improve educational tools and boost productivity.
Party:Ìý¶Ù±ð³¾´Ç³¦°ù²¹³Ù
Elected offices held:Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð
·¡»å³Ü³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýMaster of Education, Education Leadership, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2013); Bachelor of Science, Agricultural Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1998)
Family:Â Carrie Derner, two children
°Â±ð²ú²õ¾±³Ù±ð:Ìý
Why are you running for office?
I love Nebraskans. We are hardworking, independent-minded people who look out for our neighbors. We deserve a representative that listens to what people want, brings forward ideas and puts in the work to improve our community. Our current representative has looked out for the wealthy politicians who handed him his seat, not working families. I am running to fight for the working families he won’t stand up for and to make Nebraska a better place to raise a family.
What experiences qualify you for this office?
Leadership requires effective decision-making while collaborating, listening, and finding solutions that are centered on the people you serve. I’ve spent the past 18 years building a business from scratch by bringing better ideas to the marketplace, overcoming challenges and building a top-notch team committed to the same goals. While building this business, I’ve helped start a Christian church, run a farmers market in our community, served on nonprofit boards and raised two sons with my wife.
What is your top priority?
Property tax cuts. I’ve knocked on thousands of doors. Farmers, businesses and families are struggling. The last few years valuations and taxes have continued to skyrocket. Members of the Legislature say they passed relief, but ask any voter -- their property taxes continue to rise. My opponent didn’t propose any solutions -- he is waiting for others to solve the problem for him. I promise to be honest, work hard and bring solutions without shifting the tax burden to working families.
What do you think the single most important challenge facing our state is, and how do you propose to address it?
We have a massive workforce shortage which has gotten worse the last few years. There is only one real solution: we have to make Nebraska a better place for people to make their home -- for young people raised here and people from other states. We need strong schools for our kids, safe and vibrant neighborhoods and more housing options. We also need to cut property taxes and bring better-paying jobs here so our families can afford high-quality lives.
What role should the Legislature play in regulating access to abortion, contraception and fertility treatments?
I believe that Nebraskans can make these decisions better than politicians and will be able to decide on abortion rights in November. I completely support IVF and the ability for families to decide on the choice to have children. My opponent feels he can make these decisions for families and has voted accordingly.
Do you support or oppose efforts to replace Nebraska’s unique system for counting electoral college votes with the winner-take-all model? Why?
It doesn’t matter if it’s a card game, football or elections -- changing the rules in the middle of the game is wrong whether you’re winning or losing.