Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has officially announced his intention to seek a second term in the 2026 gubernatorial election. As part of his campaign outreach, Pillen will visit Nebraska All-Stars in June—a gathering of the state’s top young athletes—to intimate them about his comprehensive sports program designed to strengthen youth athletics across Nebraska.
In a special highlight of his June visit, Governor Pillen is scheduled to meet with Johnny Rodgers, the legendary Nebraska Cornhuskers football player and 1972 Heisman Trophy winner, to discuss the future of sports in the state. Rodgers, celebrated as one of the greatest Huskers of all time, supports initiatives that foster youth athletic development.
During the visit, Pillen plans to emphasize his commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure, increasing funding, and expanding opportunities for student-athletes throughout Nebraska. His program focuses on supporting fair play, improving athletic facilities, and creating partnerships between schools and local sports organizations to help young Nebraskans thrive on and off the field.
“Nebraska has a proud tradition of sports excellence, from legends like Johnny Rodgers to current stars like Ndamukong Suh and Bob Gibson,” Pillen said. “It’s vital we invest in the next generation of athletes who will carry that legacy forward.”
Nebraska’s rich sports heritage includes icons across football, baseball, volleyball, and motorsports. The state has produced stars such as Suh, a dominant NFL defensive tackle; Bob Gibson, the Hall of Fame MLB pitcher from Omaha; and Olympic volleyball gold medalist Jordan Larson. Pillen’s outreach to the All-Stars and Rodgers reflects his desire to build a strong foundation for future talent.
Alongside sports development, Pillen’s platform highlights education reform and agricultural support, key issues for Nebraska’s communities. With strong backing from educators, sports advocates, and rural leaders, Pillen aims to leverage this momentum as he campaigns for re-election.
The 2026 election will test whether voters believe Pillen’s vision aligns with Nebraska’s priorities. For now, his upcoming June visit to Nebraska’s All-Stars and conversations with iconic athletes signal a continued commitment to youth, sports, and community growth.